NEW CAMPAIGN FINANCE REFORM PROPOSAL

Three lawmakers join representatives from Common Cause and Free Speech for People and Voter Action on Monday to outline proposed reforms that respond to the Supreme Court’s 5-4 ruling in January that struck down a law limiting corporations and unions from spending on political efforts. Organizers of the press conference say for-profit corporations and unions may now spend unlimited amounts to influence elections at all levels of government. Sen. James Eldridge and Reps. Cory Atkins and William Straus will file legislation Monday “requiring new levels of disclosure and transparency for corporate political spending, eliminating ‘pay to play’ opportunities for state contractors, enshrining new protections for employees, shareholders and investors, and prohibiting foreign entities from influencing elections in Massachusetts.” Organizers say the proposed Massachusetts Corporate Political Accountability Act addresses problems created by the court decision in Citizens United v. FEC. (Monday, noon, Room 222)