Reforms improve good government in R.I. says Common Cause

PROVIDENCE – Election and ethics reform measures approved over the past two years influenced Common Cause of Rhode Island to issue a scorecard with the highest point average in nearly a decade, according to the nonprofit organization.

The organization advocates for principles including limiting the role of money in elections, and upholding separation of power between state and local government. Its 2015-16 legislative scorecard, released Monday, tracked votes on campaign finance and elections reform, ethics and lobbying reform, judicial selection and open government and rules.

Using a point system, with three points awarded for positions it deemed most important, the organization championed new laws and votes including the following:

  • Legislation that created a system allowing citizens to register online or update their registration online
  • A comprehensive legislative and executive lobbying overhaul, expanding its scope, requiring additional reporting and increasing penalties for noncompliance
  • Resolution that puts a constitutional amendment before voters to restore full jurisdiction of R.I. Ethics Commission over members of the General Assembly.
  • Legislation that requires candidates to submit paper copies of their bank statements to the Board of Elections.
  • Legislation requiring candidates to maintain campaign money in separate accounts.
  • Legislation requiring candidates to appoint a treasurer, other than the candidate, for candidates with more than $10,000 in their account.

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