To a large extent Big Money controls who wins and who loses election to public office, and thus Big Money controls our government.

Whether it’s criminal bribery, the legal corruption of “pay to play” campaign contributions, or the millions spent by SuperPacs – it’s totally obvious that Big Money is driving the ship.

But it doesn’t have to be this way.

There are multiple bills on the table at this very moment that if passed into law would dramatically reduce the power and influence of Big Money.

Unfortunately, our legislators have already signaled they will pass nothing of any significance. They will nibble around the edges – but they will pass nothing that truly limits the corrupting influence of Big Money.

So yes…we need to reach out NOW, turn it up, and demand action and accountability.

Please make the calls, and send the emails – professional and courteously of course. Contact YOUR district Representative and Senator TODAY (prior to 6pm on Monday April 27) and demand they pass meaningful legislation to limit the power of Big Money – specifically:

1. SB2471 — End Corporate Right to Unlimited Political Spending (without carveouts)
2. HB1519/SB2530 — Close Pay-to-Play Loophole for Government Contractors (with no exemptions for Legislature)
3. SB1032 — End Foreign Corporate Influence In Elections
4. SB2737 – Makes failure to report bribery a crime for elected officials.

Every elected official knows that Big Money can make or break their dreams and political aspirations.

They know also that an organized grassroots effort can do the same.

They learn quickly that keeping their head down and mouths shut is the key to survival. Avoiding tough/divisive (IOW important) votes and public discussion of controversial issues becomes automatic.

Good people, making fear-based decisions.

They look the other way when committee chairs kill bills in the darkness of night or insert funding without public disclosure, discussion, or oversight.

They shrug their shoulders and tell you: “There’s nothing I could do…” “The Chair decided to kill it…” “We ran out of time…” and/or “There’s no money.”

To be clear, there’s ALWAYS something they can do. They can speak out, pull back the curtain, and expose the chicanery.

A Committee Chair cannot kill or pass legislation without the majority of the committee’s active or passive consent. By sitting quietly, heads down and saying nothing, committee members are in fact, supporting the Chair’s action.

If there’s a true desire to pass a bill, there are myriad ways to overcome the “running-out-of-time” issue, schedule a hearing, amend a bill, or find a “vehicle” to carry the legislation forward.

And when they say there’s no money, what they’re really saying is it’s not a priority. The “money chairs” will find the money if the issue/action is one they support.

It’s time we elect people who share our values and who aren’t afraid to stand up against Big Money.

We need courage, commitment, and ACTION from our legislators.

Just being “cool”, calling yourself a progressive, framing your message in “Aloha ʻĀina”, or being part of an underserved community, is not enough.

We need more than that. MUCH more.

We need leaders in that big square building on Beretania Street willing to speak truth to power, and demand of their colleagues the democracy, open process, and sunshine we the people deserve.

We need BOLD, proactive progressives, deeply rooted in community, who will go to the damn wall for people and the planet.

The candidates we need are out there. They’re teaching in classrooms, working in law offices, running small businesses, coaching youth sports, and involved in non-profit advocacy.

All of course are imperfect, and no single person is going to lead us to the promised land.

But every addition to a “people and the planet first” coalition at the legislature, strengthens the character and courage of those already there.

We can beat Big Money.

Direct face-to-face voter contact by hard working candidates with roots in the district will win against Big Money.

If a candidate is willing to knock on doors in the neighborhood, and if you and I are willing to take the time to help them, AND to make our small dollar donations – WE CAN WIN against Big Money.

It’s time we take our democracy, BACK.

Will you join in helping to make this happen?

If so, please make those calls and send those emails TODAY. Your message can be short and simple. “I’m calling to ask you to do the right thing and pass strong versions of SB2471, HB1519/SB2530, SB1032 and SB2737, that push back hard against Big Money, Bribery, and Pay to Play. Whether you are on the committee or not, you have a voice and I’m asking you to use it, and use it publicly – NOW. The courtesy of a reply is appreciated.”

Signed – A constituent who lives in your district and is oh so tired of Big Money and fear-based decision making.