Creative Coalition Urges House Members To Pass Shays/Meehan Bill

Creative Coalition Urges House Members To Pass Shays/Meehan Bill

Nonpartisan Group of Artists and Entertainers Sends Appeal to Lawmakers

Today in a letter sent to all members of the U.S. House, William Baldwin, actor and president of The Creative Coalition made the appeal on behalf of the nonprofit, nonpartisan organization.

Excerpts from the letter:
“The vote expected in the U.S. House this week represents a crossroads in American politics. The two paths are clear. Will the members of the House pass real campaign finance reform which bans soft money and returns the power of the political system back to the average voter? Or will members continue to allow our elections to be bought and paid for by the wealthy and big money interests?

“While we understand there may be other proposals, such as the Ney/Wynn bill, we believe only the Shays/Meehan legislation offers real reform. The Shays/Meehan bill ensures that no longer will soft money be funneled into individual campaigns, making a mockery of our current campaign laws.

“There is nothing more sacred than protecting our Democracy and ensuring that each individual has equal access to elected officials. It is time to stand up and stop the flow of soft money and protect the American idea of “one person, one vote.”

“Average Americans are watching and hoping that you will make the brave, bold move of changing a system that has failed its people and caused most voters, especially young people, to lose faith in their government”

Background
In March, after a meeting with Sen. John McCain, over 70 artists and entertainers pledged to “not raise money for, contribute money to, or have their names used in connection with the raising of money for the campaign of any candidates for federal office who does not embrace the McCain-Feingold principles.” That petition was sent to every member of the U.S. Senate.

About The Creative Coalition
The Creative Coalition is the leading nonprofit, nonpartisan social and public advocacy organization of the arts and entertainment community. Founded in 1989 by prominent members of the creative community, The Creative Coalition is dedicated to educating its members on issues of public importance, primarily the First Amendment, arts advocacy, campaign finance reform and public education. Headquartered in New York City, The Creative Coalition also has offices in Washington, D.C., Los Angeles and San Francisco. The Creative Coalition does not endorse or raise funds for political parties or candidates.