To: CVF-News
From: Kim Alexander
Date: Wednesday, October 1, 1997
Re: SB 49 -- waiting for the day
Hi Folks:
I just wanted to give everyone a quick update on SB 49/Karnette, which would mandate the electronic filing of, and Internet access to political disclosure records in California.
After passing in both the Senate and Assembly on a landslide vote, SB 49 is still on Governor Pete Wilson's desk. He has not yet publicly indicated whether he plans to sign or veto the bill. He has until October 12 to take action; if no action is taken by October 12, the bill automatically becomes law.
One piece of news I heard recently is that the Assembly Republican Caucus, in the end, sent a letter of support on SB 49 to Governor Wilson, encouraging his signature and requesting a bill-signing ceremony.
Governor Wilson also recently announced that he will be the honorary chairman of an initiative drive to restrict labor unions' ability to deduct money from members. Wilson's interest in that campaign finance issue may indicate his interest in other campaign finance issues, such as online disclosure of campaign contributions and expenditures.
We'll see......in the meantime, Wilson-watchers are on the edge of our seats, waiting to hear whether electronic filing and online disclosure will become the law in California. Stay tuned!
--Kim Alexander, Executive Director, California Voter Foundation
kimalex@netcom.com