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Clyde Announces Legislation to Close Secret Money Loopholes in Ohio Campaigns

April 23, 2018
Democratic Newsroom

State Rep. Kathleen Clyde (D-Kent) today announced her new plan to close secret money loopholes, increase transparency and strengthen the ban on foreign money in Ohio elections with new legislation, the Ohio Democracy is Strengthened by Casting Light on Spending in Elections Act, or DISCLOSE ACT.

“Too often, wealthy individuals, corporations and other entities can keep their influence secret by using innocuous-sounding companies and organizations while the names of the real players are hidden from the public. This lack of transparency is corrupting our democratic system by putting some politicians in the pockets of secretive special interests,” said Rep. Clyde. “That’s why I’m sponsoring the Ohio DISCLOSE Act to strengthen disclosure requirements and ban foreign money from campaigns in Ohio.”

Rep. Clyde’s bill would do the following:

  • Close secret money loopholes by requiring 501(c)(4)s and LLCs to report their political contributors.
  • Increase transparency by requiring meaningful disclosure in campaign finance reports that reveals the real sources of funds.
  • Prohibit political spending by foreign individuals and domestic corporations with foreign owners and decisions makers.

Clyde’s legislation has received the endorsement of End Citizens United, a grassroots group dedicated to ending secret money in politics and fixing the rigged political system by promoting campaign finance reform champions.

"The secret money flooding our elections every cycle is a grave danger to the health of our democracy and a government that works for the people,” said Tiffany Muller, president of End Citizens United. “Ohioans deserve full transparency and disclosure of election spending, and we must no longer permit special interests to hide in the shadows. End Citizens United fully supports Rep. Clyde's proposal to ban secret money and foreign contributions in Ohio elections."

Rep. Clyde’s proposal has also been endorsed by Common Cause Ohio, a grassroots non-profit organization dedicated to open, honest, and accountable government.

"Ohioans should be able to 'follow the money.' Bringing full transparency to Ohio's elections will allow voters to consider the source of information and make more informed decisions. Common Cause Ohio is proud to support Rep. Clyde's proposal to bring sunshine to Ohio elections and ban secret money," said Catherine Turcer, executive director of Common Cause Ohio.