Supporters have billed the initiative as a way to strike a blow against the Supreme Court’s 2010 Citizens United ruling.
With 87% of votes counted as of Wednesday morning, Montana Constitutional Initiative 194 has received support from more than 65% of voters, with just 35% registering opposition.
The initiative prohibits what it describes as “artificial persons” — which includes corporations, nonprofits, trusts, partnerships, and trade associations — from giving money to political campaigns.
Supporters of the initiative have billed it as a way to strike a blow against the Supreme Court’s 2010 ruling in Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission, which opened the door to unlimited campaign spending in US politics.
I might be movin’ to Montana, soon…
Thing is, California has way more billionaires than any other state, even when you account for total population.
Add the fact that the corporatist conservative wing of the Dem party has a lock on all facets of state government, and it becomes a real uphill climb to make those corrupt fuckers carry out the will if the people 😮💨🤬
It’s a step, but trying to limit how money itself is spent will always create loopholes your opponent has better lawyers than you to exploit. Imho the better way to discipline billionaires would be to change tax code such that borrowing money against securities or anything like it (such as stock) is counted as realizing their value, which would trigger capital gains tax obligations.
It’d have somewhat similar effects to a wealth tax with way less administrative load for the state. The only exception I would grant is when you’re buying a single-person/single-family residential property you’re going to be living in yourself.
Idk about disciplining billionaires, I’m no lawyer but it seems they’re only prohibiting “artificial persons” from donating to political campaigns. Elon musk a “real person” can still donate all he wants.
yes, now they can’t hide behind some anonymous PAC.
I didnt know Montana was so woke and radical lol
It’s not just aimed at artificial persons based in Montana either. It’s for any entity that operates or conducts business in Montana. I’m sure they’ll find a way to ruin it in the Supreme Court but it’s a win for now.
Corporations are people, my friend.
Does this mean they can be deported?
This is a wonderful thing to read. I don’t think other states ought to wait to pass similar legislation.
The initiative prohibits what it describes as “artificial persons” — which includes corporations, nonprofits, trusts, partnerships, and trade associations — from giving money to political campaigns.
I guess that’s fine. But it doesn’t do anything to prevent these organizations from advertising and voter mobilizing independently of a campaign.
SuperPACs are functionally unaffected
Yes. Fucking, finally. Now, do PR.
Sounds great but I’ll believe it when a corporation tries to do it and suffers consequences more severe than a slap on the wrist.
They use cash in Montana?
Cattle is also legal tender there.
Corporations are also banned from giving cattle to political campaigns.
As they should be.
