Manning Unveils Campaign Finance Reform

State Rep. Gayle Manning (R-North Ridgeville) announces today the introduction of legislation with State Rep, Jessica Miranda (D-Forest Park) to update and reform Ohio’s campaign finance law. The bill’s language is substantively identical to Senate Bill 240 from the 128th General Assembly. That bill, sponsored by then-Senator Jon Husted, passed the Ohio Senate with bipartisan support, but did not make it to the floor of the Ohio House of Representatives. Manning’s bill will bring Ohio into compliance with the landmark 2010 Supreme Court case Citizens United vs. Federal Elections Commission, which cited the free speech clause of the First Amendment in clarifying the rights of corporations, labor unions, and other entities to contribute to political organizations.

“We cannot continue down the path of what is, but should aspire to pursue what should be when it comes to campaign finance reform,” said Manning. “I believe that we must move past the unethical activities that we have recently discovered that went into House Bill 6 and push for a better, cleaner and trustworthy set of rules for Ohioans that we represent. This legislation is needed now more than ever to increase transparency when it comes to campaign finance.”

Since the Citizens United Supreme Court ruling in 2010, Ohio law has not adjusted to align with federal law. Manning’s bill will update Ohio law and place additional reporting requirements on entities that make political contributions.

 “I introduced this bill requiring transparency a decade ago, and if it had become law then, Ohio would be in a much better place today,” said Ohio Lt. Governor Jon Husted, who introduced similar legislation as a State Senator. “I appreciate the leadership of Rep. Gayle Manning in taking the initiative to introduce this bill again. Perhaps enough lessons have been learned to get it passed this time.”

Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose has shown interest in the legislation.

“Now more than ever, Ohioans have seen first-hand how dark money can influence the decisions that impact our lives, and I’m hopeful that this legislation will be a positive first-step towards finding the solutions necessary to get voters the transparency they deserve,” said Secretary LaRose.

The bill awaits a committee assignment in the Ohio House.