1. July 18, 2016
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Thank you for your correspondence regarding your support of Senate Bill 1107. I appreciate
hearing from you about this issue.
SB 1107 contains three main provisions regarding campaign finance issues. Firstly, it provides
an exception to the existing ban on the use of public funds for the purpose of seeking public
office, thereby allowing for the public financing of campaigns. In addition, the bill prohibits
foreign contributions to candidates, which is already prohibited by federal law. Lastly, SB 1107
requires that an officeholder who is convicted of specified crimes forfeit any remaining
campaign funds to the general fund. The California State Senate approved SB 1107 on May 31,
2016. The bill is currently pending in the California State Assembly.
I strongly support the idea that Californians deserve to have a real voice in elections and agree
with two of the provisions outlined by SB 1107. However, I have concerns about allowing
candidates to take advantage of public financing to support their campaigns.
Public financing of campaigns would allow candidates with limited appeal to the general
population to fund their campaigns at taxpayers expense. I am concerned that this will force
taxpayers to support causes and candidates they oppose or even find offensive. At the very least,
the bill must ensure that taxpayers are not forced to support candidates whose platforms they do
not align with. For these reasons, it is with regret that I was unable to support SB 1107 when it
came before me on the Senate floor.
Although we were unable to agree on the current version of this bill, I hope I can be of assistance
on other state-related matters. Please do not hesitate to contact me as it is an honor to represent
the 36th State Senate District.
Sincerely,
PATRICIA C. BATES
Senator, 36th District
PB: pj