April 22, 2012
John Cox and Richard discussed the link between financial contributions made to state politicians and the effects those contributions have on their votes on legislation. The Neighborhood Legislature Reform Act (NLRA) addresses the issue of financial contributions by making money unnecessary to legislative campaigns. It does this by subdividing the huge legislative districts (500,000 for Assembly seats, 1,000,000 for Senate) into 100 ‘Neighborhood Districts’ which elect a Neighborhood Senator or Assemblyman. These 100 get together after the election and elect one of their number to be part of a ‘Working Committee’ in Sacramento. Thus, to get sent to Sacramento, you must first win a tiny district, where campaigns will be door to door and then win the majority of the votes of 99 other Neighborhood Representatives.
This idea has won praise from disparate political groups. Join us on the radio this Sunday at 7pm to learn more about the NLRA.