The government administration and elections committee is holding a lengthy public hearing today on two bills that would modify Connecticut’s campaign finance laws.
The bills are a result of a federal district judge’s September ruling, which said the state’s public financing provision would put minor-party candidates at an unconstitutional disadvantage against major-party candidates.
The hearing started at 10 a.m.
One bill being considered was proposed by Gov. M. Jodi Rell. House Bill No. 5021 would treat majority and minor-party candidates the same. All candidates, regardless of party affiliation, would receive the same grants through public financing if they qualify. It would also reduce the amount of some grants.
The second bill, House Bill No. 5022, would reduce grant amounts, eliminate grants for unopposed candidates and reduce the qualifying thresholds for minor-party candidates. It would also replace supplemental funds for candidates going up against wealthy candidates who are not participating in public financing with a new supplemental grant system that would allow a candidate to raise more funds. That money would then be matched.
Bill no. 5022 was raised by the government administration and elections committee.