Tom Vilsack on Government Reform

Democratic IA Governor

Made Iowa government more transparent and smaller

Governor Vilsack has reformed the way government operates in Iowa by making it more transparent, accessible, and results-driven. He has done this all the while reducing Iowa’s tax burden and decreasing the size of state government. Known for its innovative ideas and pragmatic practices, Iowa’s government has won a number of awards and serves as a prototype for other state governments nationwide. Source: PAC website, www.HeartlandPac.org, “Issues” , Dec 1, 2006

Voluntary public financing for all general elections.

Vilsack signed the manifesto, "A New Agenda for the New Decade":

Return Politics to the People
At a time when much of the world is emulating American values and institutions, too many Americans have lost confidence in their political system. They are turned off by a partisan debate that often seems to revolve not around opposing philosophies but around contending sets of interest groups. They believe that our current system for financing campaigns gives disproportionate power to wealthy individuals and groups and exerts too much influence over legislative and regulatory outcomes.

The time for piecemeal reform is past. As campaign costs soar at every level, we need to move toward voluntary public financing of all general elections and press broadcasters to donate television time to candidates.

The Internet holds tremendous potential for making campaigns less expensive and more edifying and for engaging Americans directly in electoral politics. We should promote the Internet as a new vehicle for political communication and champion online voting.

Goals for 2010

Introduce voluntary public financing for all general elections.
Allow properly regulated voter registration and voting online.
Implement civic education courses in every public school.

Source: The Hyde Park Declaration 00-DLC9 on Aug 1, 2000

Reforms must respect state's rights to select electors.

Vilsack adopted the National Governors Association position paper:

The Issue

In the wake of the United States presidential election in Florida, the Congress and the administration has expressed interest in federal standards for elections. Recognizing that Articles I and II of the United States Constitution grants states, not Congress, the authority to determine the manner of selecting presidential electors and conducting elections generally, most legislative proposals do not mandate federal standards. Rather, current proposals direct federal agencies or commissions to study and make recommendations concerning the election system. Nonetheless, the possibility of legislation in the 107th Congress requiring states to implement federal election standards remains. If enacted without adequate funding by the federal government, such legislation could also result in an unfunded mandate to the states.

NGA’s Position

Articles I and II of the United States Constitution grant states the authority to determine the manner of selecting presidential electors and provide that states are responsible for establishing election procedures generally. However, in the wake of the 2000 presidential election, the nation’s Governors recognize the need for election reform. NGA will continue to monitor federal legislation addressing this issue, but has not taken a position in support of or opposition to election reform efforts. Source: National Governors Association "Issues / Positions" 01-NGA11 on Aug 1, 2001

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