The Senate takes up Senate Bill 20, Voter-Owned Election for Treasurer today. We have written previously about these taxpayer funded campaigns here, here, and here.
Currently three council of state races are funded with taxpayers’ money; State Superintendent of Public Education, State Auditor and Commissioner of Insurance.
This bill would change the revenue stream for the Insurance Commissioner’s race imposing a 1 percent surcharge on insurance policies expected revenue is $125,000 to $250,000. There was a $5.00 surcharge on licenses too but apparently there was a problem (gee, you think?!) And Berger amended the bill to take it out.
The bill would also add the State Treasurer’s race to those funded with public money. It would also allow a surcharge to fund the campaigns – financed with a fee charged to money mangers doing business with the Treasurer’s office. Expected revenue for the fund is $750,000.
Bill sponsor Sen Doug Berger, D Franklin, makes the puzzling argument that campaigns should be free of influence.
Sen Eddie Goodall, R Mecklenburg says the bill does not have an accurate title – it’s taxpayer funded elections and now it’s industry funded elections. Elections can’t be owned. Ethics violations and corruption are the fault of individuals not the election system.
Sen Andrew Brock, R Davie, points out the bill will just cost the taxpayers’ more money as the industries will pass costs along to consumers. Further, there’s not enough revenue to be raised through the assessments and General Funds will be needed.
No matter. The bill passes 30-17, looks like along party lines.
It will have a final vote in the Senate tomorrow and then will go over to the House.
