Government Captured by Special Interests
Over $500 million is spent annually lobbying California's government. More than 3,500 lobbyists work the halls of Sacramento, outnumbering legislators 30 to 1. The result? Policies that benefit the powerful at the expense of ordinary Californians.
Pay-to-Play Politics
Campaign contributions buy access and influence. Legislators spend more time fundraising than legislating, and donors expect returns on their investments.
Revolving Door
Former legislators become lobbyists, using their connections to influence their former colleagues. Regulators leave to work for the industries they regulated.
Dark Money
Millions in untraceable donations flow through shell organizations. Voters can't know who is really behind the ads and mailers flooding their mailboxes.
The Solution
Comprehensive reforms that restore government of, by, and for the people
Campaign Finance Reform
Strict contribution limits. Ban corporate PAC contributions to candidates. Real-time disclosure of all donations.
Lobbying Transparency
72-hour public notice before lobbying meetings. Online database of all lobbyist contacts. Revolving door restrictions.
Ethics Enforcement
Independent ethics commission with subpoena power. Automatic penalties for violations. Whistleblower protections.
Open Government
All government contracts online. Public access to legislative negotiations. Citizen oversight committees.
Key Provisions
Campaign Contribution Limits
Individual contributions capped at $2,500 per candidate per election. Corporate PAC contributions to candidates banned. Aggregate limits of $50,000 per cycle.
Real-Time Disclosure
All contributions over $1,000 disclosed within 24 hours. Original source disclosure required for all donations. Searchable online database of all political spending.
Lobbying Transparency
72-hour public notice before meetings with lobbyists. Detailed disclosure of all lobbying contacts. 5-year revolving door ban for legislators and senior staff.
Independent Ethics Commission
Citizen-appointed commission with subpoena power. Automatic penalties for violations. Public hearings on ethics complaints. Whistleblower reward program.
Contract Transparency
All government contracts over $25,000 published online within 30 days. Competitive bidding required. Contractor performance ratings publicly available.
Fiscal Impact
Funded through ethics violation penalties and redirected lobbying registration fees.