June 2004 Press Release

PRESS RELEASE

Contact:   Marianne Lynch   (802) 828-2148
For Immediate Release: June 08, 2004
 _______________________________________________________________

Secretary of State Issues Campaign Finance Reminders

Markowitz reminds candidates that Vermont campaign finance law sets limits on political contributions and unveils new website for candidates and campaigns.

Montpelier.  Today Secretary of State Deb Markowitz issued a series of reminders to all candidates for state office.  Markowitz said “as the most active part of the campaign season approaches, we believe it is important to remind candidates, political parties and political committees that there are a number of laws that apply to their fundraising efforts.  In our experience a quick review of the laws before a candidate gets started will go a long way to ensuring the campaign stay out of trouble as the campaign season progresses.”

Markowitz issued a reminder that Vermont law limits the amount of contributions that a candidate might receive from a single source.  Markowitz said, “in Vermont, a single source is an individual, corporation, labor union and PAC.  Each of these entities may give up to the maximum permitted to a candidate in a two year election cycle.”  

The contribution limitations are as follows: $400.00 for the offices of governor, lieutenant governor, secretary of state, state treasurer, auditor of accounts, or attorney general; $300.00 for state senator or county office; $200.00 for state representative or local office.  A single source can also contribute up to $2000 per election cycle to a political party or political committee. 

Markowitz said, “it is important to remember that it is against the law for a person or organization to circumvent or attempt to circumvent the contribution limitations.  This means that an individual or organization may not transfer or give money to another person or organization with the intent of having that person or organization contribute that money to a particular candidate or candidates.”  Additionally, Markowitz said, “a political party or political committee may not accept a contribution that the donor directs to be expended for the benefit of a particular candidate.” Those who violate the law can be subject to a civil penalty of up to $10,000.00 for each offense. The Office of the Attorney General looks into written complaints of violations of the Vermont campaign finance law. 

Markowitz also announced a new website designed for Vermont’s candidates and campaigns.  Markowitz said, “this spring we designed a new website for candidates, PACs and political parties to make it easier to navigate the laws that apply to them.  The website has information about how to become a candidate in Vermont, as well as a guide to Vermont’s campaign finance laws and more.”   The new website can be found in the Elections section of  http://www.sec.state.vt.us.

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PRESS RELEASE

Contact:   Marianne Lynch   (802) 828-2148
For Immediate Release: June 16, 2004
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Vermont Receives 11.6 Million To Implement Election Reform

Secretary of State’s Office Receives Additional Funding To Meet Mandates

of Federal “Help America Vote Act”

Montpelier. Secretary of State Deborah Markowitz today announced that her office has received an $11,596,803.00 appropriation from the federal government to help Vermont implement the “Help America Vote Act” (HAVA). This is in addition to the five million dollars received by her office in April of 2003.

Secretary Markowitz said “we are pleased that the promised Federal money has arrived.  This money will be used to create an election trust fund so that into the future we can ensure that the costs of meeting the many new federal mandates created by HAVA will not be shifted to the municipalities of Vermont.”

HAVA was passed into law in November and requires broad changes to the way Vermont conducts its elections.  Most notably HAVA mandates the adoption of a statewide voter checklist and the purchase of technology for every community to allow individuals with visual disabilities to vote privately and independently.  It mandates extensive poll worker and voter education programs, requires voters to be given a chance to correct voting errors, and allows voters to cast provisional ballots if they are not on the checklist.  

Markowitz said, “the federal money received under HAVA is in a special account that can only be used to improve the administration of Vermont’s elections.  We will be working with the Treasurer’s office to invest this money wisely to maximize the interest while ensuring the security of the funds so that this money will help Vermont meet the requirements of the federal election reform law into the foreseeable future.” 
 

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PRESS RELEASE

Contact:   Marianne Lynch   (802) 828-2148
For Immediate Release: June 22, 2004
 _______________________________________________________________

Disability Etiquette Brochure To Help Government Better

Serve People with Disabilities

Secretary of State issues “Disability Etiquette, A Guide to Respectful Communication”

Montpelier.  Today Secretary of State Deb Markowitz issued a new brochure designed to help government better serve people with disabilities.  Markowitz said, “as public officials and employees we have a special obligation to serve all of our citizens, regardless of disability.  To that end, we have issued a new brochure entitled Disability Etiquette, a Guide to Respectful Communication.”  

Some of the tips included in the brochure are as follows:

1.      Treat people with disabilities with the same respect and consideration you have for everyone else.  Find a topic of small talk the way you would with anyone.   Don’t assume the disability is all that person can talk about or is interested in.

2.      Use a normal voice when saying hello.  Don’t raise your voice unless requested. 

3.      When you meet someone, extend your hand to shake it if that is what you normally do.  A person who cannot shake hands will let you know, but he/she will appreciate being treated in a normal way.

4.      Do not automatically give assistance.  Ask first if the person wants help.  Many disabled people will be grateful for an offer of help.  If your offer of assistance is accepted, listen to or ask for instructions.

5.      Talk directly to the person, not to an aide, friend or interpreter.  It is important to make eye contact.  If you don’t understand someone, ask the person to repeat it.  Sometimes it takes repeated attempts at listening or speaking.  If the person uses a wheelchair, sit down yourself (if possible) and converse at the same level.

6.      Guide dogs and other service animals should not be pet or touched without specific permission.

 
Census figures show that nearly 17% of all Vermonters have some sort of disability.  These disabilities vary greatly.  Some disabilities are very visible – like those requiring a person to use a wheel chair, a guide dog or a walker.  Other disabilities, like many cognitive disabilities, are invisible, but can make communication especially challenging.

To order copies of Disability Etiquette contact the Secretary of State’s office at mlynch@sec.state.vt.us or call (802) 828-2148.  View the complete brochure at www.sec.state.vt.us.

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