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WHEREAS, on Tuesday, June 3rd, 2008 the Council of the City of Pittsburgh passed Council Bill 2008-0026 regarding Campaign Finance Reform, which has changed the overall importance of raising money as a means to secure success in municipal elections; and
WHEREAS, Bill 2008-0026 was based on a similar bill that was passed by the Council of the City of Philadelphia, which was upheld by the Pennsylvania Supreme Court; and
WHEREAS, Bill 2008-0026 creates an increased level of transparency in regard to who donates to campaigns, and whether or not persons donating are doing business with the City or have future plans to do business with the City of Pittsburgh; and
WHEREAS, the legislation stipulates that all campaign finance reports are to be submitted to the City Controller as well as the Allegheny County Bureau of Elections, and charges the Department of City Information Systems with the task of maintaining an up to date database that will be available for public viewing; and
WHEREAS, Bill 2008-0026 puts limitations on individual contributions, the transfer of funds between Political Action Committees, and decreases the "pay to play" mentality in City of Pittsburgh elections; and
WHEREAS, it is important to note that while Bill 2008-0026 makes great strides in the funding of municipal elections, it may not make elections an even playing field at the City, County, and State levels; there is an inherent disadvantage in fundraising and the transferring of funds between Political Action Committees at the City level compared to that of the County and State.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT THE COUNCIL of the City of Pittsburgh urges the Pennsylvania State House of Representatives and the State Senate to investigate, adjust, and ultimately adopt Campaign Finance Reform legislation similar to Pittsburgh City Council Bill 2008-0026, to create an even playing field for campaign financing across the State.