1. United States
2. Calif.
3. Letter

I am writing to express my concern about the growing influence of out-of-state funding on state and local legislation and campaigns in California. As a resident of California, I value the democratic process and the ability of Californians to have their voices heard without undue influence from external interests. California’s robust political system and its ability to enact laws that reflect the needs and values of its residents are being undermined by large sums of money flowing in from out-of-state entities. These funds often aim to influence local legislation and campaigns in ways that may not align with the priorities of the people who live, work, and vote here. Such interference distorts the will of California’s voters and erodes public trust in the integrity of our elections and legislative processes. To address this issue, I urge you to introduce or support legislation that limits the impact of out-of-state funding on California’s state and local campaigns and legislative initiatives. Specifically, I propose the following measures: 1. Enhanced Disclosure Requirements: Mandate comprehensive and timely disclosure of contributions from out-of-state entities or individuals, ensuring transparency for voters. 2. Contribution Limits: Cap the amount of funding that out-of-state donors can contribute to political campaigns or initiatives at the state and local levels. 3. Strengthened Enforcement Mechanisms: Increase penalties for violations and provide adequate resources for enforcement to ensure compliance with any new regulations. By reducing the outsized influence of out-of-state funding, we can protect the integrity of California’s democratic processes and ensure that state and local decisions are driven by the interests of Californians. Thank you for your commitment to serving our state. I would appreciate it if you and the legislature would explore solutions and take swift action on this critical issue.