A proposal from Supervisor Rafael Mandelman to double San Francisco’s campaign contribution limit from $500 to $1,000 is likely on hold for fine-tuning. The current limit was set in 2000 and has not been adjusted since. The Ethics Commission has pursued the changes for at least a year, saying the low limit is outdated.

Background

The proposed legislation would also allow the Ethics Commission to continue raising the limit in line with inflation. Five hundred dollars in 2000 is worth about $989 today, and San Francisco’s limit is lower than that set by many other jurisdictions in the state. Adjusting the contribution limit for inflation is important, as it would help candidates raise money for their campaigns.

Mandelman’s proposal would also increase the amount of money candidates receive in public financing from $6 for every qualified dollar they raise themselves to $8. The maximum public funding a candidate receives would stay the same, so the change would effectively only bring public dollars to candidates faster.

Reactions

Former supervisor Aaron Peskin disagreed with the proposal, saying it should be accompanied by reforms to increase public financing and discourage billionaire spending. Natalie Gee, a legislative aide, also disagreed, saying that even $500 was a challenge for many of her donors.

Original reporting: Mission Local — read the source article.