Solomon and Kenyatta ‘good ‘government’ legislation passes PA House

Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus    April 16, 2024 | 3:56 PM

Legislation (H.B. 1472) co-sponsored by state Reps. Jared Solomon and Malcolm Kenyatta, both D-Phila., passed the Pennsylvania House of Representatives today by a 127-74 vote.

House Bill 1472 would require campaign finance reports from civic leagues and 501(c)(4) tax-exempt organizations that independently advocate for or against a particular candidate. 

"Encouraging transparency in campaign finance is critical to restoring trust in government,” Solomon said. “When citizens are informed about where political funding comes from, they can hold elected officials accountable and ensure fair representation for all.” 

The bill would adjust the threshold for independent campaign expenditures from a minimum of $100 in a calendar year to unrestricted spending, while also lowering the reporting threshold for late independent expenditures from $500 to any amount.

"Massive spending by dark money groups to impact our elections undermines our electoral process and erodes faith in our democracy.” Kenyatta said. “Shedding light on political funding sources empowers citizens to participate fully in shaping their government and ensure their representatives work for them.”

Both Solomon and Kenyatta said the legislation is one of several bills have they introduced as a part of their “Trust and Transparency” bill package aimed at restoring public trust and improving the campaign finance system.