Sep 23, 2010 by mrober@publicampaign.org

Today, the American Sustainable Business Council, "a growing national coalition of business networks that supports policies leading to a vibrant, just and sustainable economy," endorsed the Fair Elections Now Act. According to ASBC, Fair Elections would, "would stop the corrupting influence of special interest donations and enable legislators to focus on the people’s business rather than on fundraising."

Here's what a few of their leaders had to say:

"Businesses understand the importance of getting the incentives right. This bill would give legislators incentive to focus on the urgent challenges facing America in restoring our economy," said Mark McLeod, executive director of the California-based Sustainable Business Alliance, a partner in the American Sustainable Business Council.

"This legislation makes our election process more fair and democratic. By addressing the role of money in elections, basing candidates' fundraising on small contributions from constituents, the bill helps Congress hear the goals of sustainable businesses and their consumers," says Fran Teplitz, strategic outreach director for Green America.

"The current pay-to-play system favors large multinationals, many of which buy influence to protect subsidies, tax havens, and other preferential treatments that we can't afford. These giveaways hurt Main Street businesses and they hurt entrepreneurs who pioneer sustainable technologies and socially responsible business practices," said David Brodwin, co-founder of American Sustainable Business Council.

The ASBC, through its partners, represents over 50,000 business and social enterprises and more than 150,000 entrepreneurs, owners, executives, investors, and business professionals.

Of course, this isn't the first time business leaders have shown support for Fair Elections. Within days of the Supreme Court's terrible Citizens United v. FEC decision, a group of 34 business leaders urged Congress to respond: "We believe Congress must address both the Citizens United decision and the problems of the current campaign finance system by passing the Fair Elections Now Act."