Rep. Susan Davis (D-53) has joined other Democrats in cosponsoring legislation in the House that would offer tax credits and matching funds to offset the impact of big donors on campaign financing.
Supporters say the Government By the People Act would allow congressional candidates to rely on small donor fundraising and still remain competitive in tight races.
“The voices of average Americans are being drowned out by big money,” Davis said in a statement. There needs to be a leveling of the playing field if we are going to continue to have a government of the people, by the people and for the people.”
The bill would provide a My Voice Tax Credit to encourage more Americans to take part in the electoral process. A matching fund would leverage small-dollar contributions. To qualify for the fund, candidates would have to agree to limit the contributions from large-dollar donors.
The legislation is a reaction to the Supreme Court’s ruling in 2010 that allowed corporations, associations and labor unions to independently fund advertisements for or against candidates.
Davis’ 53rd district includes El Cajon, La Mesa, Lemon Grove, parts of Chula Vista, and much of central and south San Diego.