WASHINGTON – In response to today’s introduction of the Government By the People Act (H.R. 20), legislation that would allow political candidates to rely on small contributions to fund their campaigns, People For the American Way executive vice president Marge Baker released the following statement:

“From protecting our environment to raising the minimum wage, progress on the issues most important to everyday Americans is being thwarted by the ability of big money donors to buy political influence. This bill would help change that, multiplying the influence of regular voters’ small donations and making politicians less dependent on – and, in turn, less beholden to – wealthy special interests.

“The bottom line is that elected officials should be accountable to their constituents, not corporate lobbyists. It’s high time for our democracy to be back in the hands of everyday Americans where it belongs.”

In recent weeks, People For the American Way has met with a number of U.S. Representatives to urge their support of H.R. 20 and has trained volunteers to do the same.

People For the American Way executive vice president Marge Baker is available for interviews with the press.  To arrange an interview, please contact Layne Amerikaner or Miranda Blue at [email protected] / 202-467-4999.

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