A bill doubling the individual campaign contribution limit in Kentucky continues to move through the General Assembly. It emerged from the House Elections, Constitutional Amendments, and Intergovernmental Affairs Committee Monday.
The measure, sponsored by Senate Majority Floor Leader Damon Thayer, would take the individual contribution limit from one to two thousand dollars and set the ceiling for political parties at $5000. He told House committee members it would be indexed for inflation every odd numbered year in 100 dollar increments.
“This will mirror federal law where they raised it to a certain threshold and then it is indexed to inflation, Thayer said. "So, hopefully future general assemblies never have to deal with this question again.”
Speaking against the higher limits including those going to political parties was Louisville Representative Reggie Meeks.
“One of the things that is very apparent that’s happened over the last few years is that money has become the focus of government and elections, not sound public policy,” Meeks said.
Frankfort Representative Derrick Graham voted "no." He said the more money individuals can provide to candidates leads to more influence and less overall responsibility to constituents.
