MassFiscal says closing the union loophole is a top priority for fairness advocates as Court Begins Hearing on 1A Auto v Sullivan

(BOSTON)—Today, hearings began at Suffolk Superior Court in the lawsuit filed by businesses owned by MassFiscal board members Rick Green and Mike Kane to close the so-called union loophole in Massachusetts campaign finance law.

The loophole bans political contributions from businesses while allowing unions to contribute up to $15,000 to a single candidate. Unions, under current law, may also contribute via Political Action Committees, while PACs supported by businesses are prohibited. Individuals are permitted to donate up to $1,000 to a single candidate.

Massachusetts is one of only six states with campaign finance laws that advantage unions.

Executive director of MassFiscal Paul D. Craney said, “Campaign finance law boils down to freedom of speech. It’s just not fair to tell businesses they can’t participate, while unions and special interest groups pour money into campaigns. We need to level the playing field in Massachusetts politics.”

“Closing the union loophole must be the number one priority for advocates of fairness,” concluded Craney.

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After weeks of waffling, Republicans and Democrats came together to pave the way for substantive reform at the MBTA. As part of the state budget, the legislature suspended the arcane and burdensome Pacheco Law for three years.

The Pacheco Law is a darling of union bosses, as it makes contracting out any function performed by a state employee nearly impossible. Without it, Governor Baker and his team can evaluate and assess the work done at the T to determine how and who can most efficiently deliver services.