The Republican (MassLive.com): Massachusetts among 10 worst states according to free speech index
By Luke Wachob and Alex Baiocco
In a new Free Speech Index on political giving, Massachusetts, along with ten other states, receives an ‘F’ grade.
Massachusetts’ poor grade in the Free Speech Index is driven by its low limits on individual giving. Only Colorado fares worse in this portion of the Institute’s report. Individuals in Massachusetts can give only $1,000 per year to candidates; only Alaska has a lower limit for gubernatorial candidates. In addition, the state’s annual limit on donations to candidates is constitutionally suspect and gives a large fundraising advantage to incumbents. Massachusetts’ limits are also not adjusted for inflation, meaning a Bay Stater’s ability to support candidates will continually decline. On top of that, parties can provide no more support than $3,000 per year to their own candidates. These factors combine to make Massachusetts one of the most restrictive states in the nation for political giving…
Eleven states earn ‘A’ grades and allow individuals to donate without limit to the candidates, parties, and groups of their choice. Short of that goal, most states can significantly improve their grade by implementing simple reforms, such as adjusting limits for inflation.
