Today, the Missouri House of Representatives passed Senate Bill 152, a measure that comprehensively bans foreign funding of state ballot issues campaigns. The bill now heads to Governor Kehoe for his expected signature.
APT Executive Director Caitlin Sutherland issued the following statement in response to its passage:
“Thanks to Missouri lawmakers, the Show Me State is one step closer to protecting their ballot initiatives from foreign influence.
Backed by millions in foreign cash from Swiss billionaire Hansjörg Wyss, the Sixteen Thirty Fund has funneled nearly $13 million to influence Missouri ballot measures. Turning off the spigot of foreign cash is a crucial step toward protecting Missouri’s politics from foreign interference. Missouri joins a rapidly growing number of states taking decisive action to close this foreign influence loophole — which will be a win for Missouri voters.”