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House Co-Sponsorship Memoranda
House of Representatives
Session of 2015 - 2016
Regular Session
MEMORANDUM
| Posted: | January 15, 2015 02:56 PM |
|---|---|
| From: | Representative Kevin J. Boyle |
| To: | All House members |
| Subject: | Public Financing for PA Statewide Judicial Elections (former HB 175) |
| In the near future, I will be re-introducing legislation – former House Bill 175 – amending the Pennsylvania Election Code to allow for partial public financing for statewide judicial elections in Pennsylvania. There is currently no public financing of any elections in Pennsylvania. Our justice system is predicated on the notion that we are all to be treated equally and fairly under the law. In order for this to be achieved, judges must rule impartially regardless of an individual’s party affiliation or their monetary contributions. However, judges often hear cases which directly involve individuals or organizations that have made substantial contributions to their campaigns, resulting in the perception and possibility of conflict of interest. The Supreme Court, as the court of last resort in Pennsylvania, should especially be free of this perception. My legislation would add a “Pennsylvania Fair Campaign Funding” chapter to the Pennsylvania Election Code to protect against corruption or the appearance of corruption by providing limited campaign funding to eligible candidates in statewide judicial elections. Funding would come from taxpayers who designate on their tax return form that they want to contribute $3 to the fund as well as from attorneys who would be required to contribute $50 to the fund when applying for or renewing their licenses to practice law in Pennsylvania. Any candidate for statewide judicial election or retention may apply for funding if the candidate meets contribution thresholds. Pennsylvania should join the 14 other states now offering public financing to candidates. Please join me in co-sponsoring this important legislation to protect the impartiality of the judiciary by allowing partial public financing for statewide judicial elections in Pennsylvania. |