CAPSS Policy Statement on Campaign Finance Reform

The Connecticut Association of Public School Superintendents (CAPSS) urges the United States Senate to pass the campaign finance reform bill that is presently before the Senate.  In its long history of public advocacy, CAPSS has consistently supported actions that would benefit children.  The present campaign finance system, dominated as it is by special interests who have access to millions of dollars, leaves those who advocate for the interests of children in a relatively powerless position.  We simply do not have the funds to be able to make significant contributions to those seeking political office.

Any political system that makes serious consideration of the needs of any segment of our population dependent upon how much money those people can contribute to those seeking office is contrary to the basic values upon which this nation was founded.  When it is children, especially poor children, whose needs are not given serious consideration because they cannot make campaign contributions, we have before us a national disgrace.

CAPSS, therefore, commends Rep. Christopher Shays and Sen. Christopher Dodd for the leadership that they are giving in the Congress to reform the campaign finance system and CAPSS urges all members of Connecticut's congressional delegation to join them in this effort.