Subsidizing Democracy
Can Public Financing Change Politics?
Event
Most efforts to reduce the influence of money on democracy have run aground in recent years, because of court decisions, the growth of new forms of political organization, and the sheer volume of money directed at our high-stakes politics. But with little notice, one reform – voluntary public financing of campaigns – has taken hold in several states and jurisdictions. Public financing has taken several different forms, from full public funding to partial matching systems to tax credits that resemble a voucher. Most of these programs have been resilient, generally popular with candidates, and have withstood most legal challenges.
New America Foundation’s Political Reform Program presented the results from the first book-length study of these modern public financing programs and whether they can change the culture and practice of politics. In Subsidizing Democracy, Michael G. Miller of the University of Illinois, Springfield, looks at the results of public financing in Arizona and several other jurisdictions, and uses data as well as interviews to consider how these programs change politics. Do they bring in different candidates? Do they allow candidates to spend more time with voters? Do they increase public confidence or participation?
In addition to the author, New America was joined by three experts on money in politics, including a former member of the Arizona legislature who participated in the public financing system, who discussed the book and its implications for the future of American politics.
Join the conversation online using #subsidizedemocracy and following @NewAmerica.
Participants
Michael G. Miller
Assistant Professor, University of Illinois, Springfield
Author, Subsidizing Democracy
Michael J. Malbin
Executive Director, Campaign Finance Institute
Spencer Overton
George Washington University School of Law
Matt Heinz
Arizona House of Representatives, 2009-2013, and U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services
Moderator:
Mark Schmitt
Director, Program on Political Reform, New America Foundation