The war chests of state politicians seeking re-election could shrink under a new bill that would prohibit them from receiving political contributions while the state budget awaits approval.
Under the newly drafted bill, lawmakers would not be allowed to accept any political donations after the first Monday in January during the odd numbered years in which the state writes and approves the new budget.
Violators may be fined up to $1,000 or imprisoned up to six months or both.
The budget period has traditionally been a popular time for legislators to raise money.
Mike McCabe, executive director of the Wisconsin Democracy Campaign said, ""Traditionally we've seen huge sums of money solicited and received by legislators [during this time].""
If passed, the bill will compel legislators to concentrate on raising money when they are out of session and stop the practice of trading budget favors for campaign contributions.
Though an ethics reform package was recently passed and signed by Gov. Jim Doyle, state Rep. Spencer Black, D-Madison, said the bill is necessary because it would help to clean up the state government.
""There are many decisions made by the legislature that affect powerful special interests ... and some legislators choose to take advantage of that to raise money,"" Black said.
McCabe hailed the bill as a reform that has been called for a long time and is long overdue.
""There needs to be some distance put between campaign fundraising and public policy making,"" McCabe said. ""Fundraising should be more confined to the election year and not year round.""
McCabe said he believes the bill will result in a budget that is not partial to special interests and the punishments will help to put an end to the practice.
