2022 marked another year of lost opportunity for campaign finance reform in Virginia. Decrying this continued inaction, the non-partisan group BigMoneyOutVA released an updated version of its “Citizens Report on the Need for Campaign Finance Reform in Virginia.” This report provides a comprehensive review of the history and status of Virginia’s campaign finance laws, highlights best practices by other states, summarizes the status of bills introduced in the 2022 General Assembly, and provides a roadmap for legislative action.

Equal representation for all, irrespective of wealth, is our right as Virginians. Therefore, we call on all candidates to pledge to make a pledge commitment to support:

• The “For Our Freedom” constitutional amendment that allows Congress and the states to regulate election spending; and

• Comprehensive campaign finance reform in Virginia.

As another “Earth Day” comes and goes in Virginia, citizens in the Tidewater area highlighted their concern about the role of climate change in coastal flooding. Local leaders count more than 200 places of worship in the region that are at risk for flooding. They are not alone in their concern about the adverse impacts of climate change. Most Americans, and increasing numbers of business leaders, recognize that climate change is an existential threat and there is increasing support for initiatives to reduce the impacts of increased flooding, more variable weather patterns, and higher temperatures.

The General Assembly killed 20 of the 24 campaign finance reform bills introduced during the 2022 legislative session. Among the defeated bills include attempts to restrict the personal use of campaign funds, place limits on campaign contributions, improve disclosure from dark money groups, and ban contributions from public utilities. Awaiting a signature from Governor Youngkin are two bills pertaining to disclosure, an oversight bill which strengthens the Department of Elections ability to monitor and enforce campaign finance regulations and a resolution extending a study of campaign finance reform in Virginia.