Bill description: This bill prohibits public funds from being used to interfere with or influence an election.

Rating: +2

Does it increase government spending (for objectionable purposes) or debt? Conversely, does it decrease government spending or debt? 


Government officials are finding new and sophisticated ways to commit tax dollars in attempts to sway the outcome of elections. The College of Western Idaho provides one such example of this practice when, in December 2016, it spent $370,000 on a marketing campaign leading up to an election. With hundreds of schools, municipalities, agencies and departments, each promoting their own ballot measures, there is no telling the savings to taxpayers and the impact on budgets by prohibiting this questionable practice.

(+1)

Does it in any way restrict public access to information related to government activity or otherwise compromise government transparency or accountability? Conversely, does it increase public access to information related to government activity or increase government transparency or accountability? 


Allowing government agencies to use taxpayer funds to campaign for their own causes is an affront to accountability. The practice is as unacceptable as elected officials using public funds to pay to promote their own causes. This bill will prevent this unaccountable use of public funds.

(+1)