Statement on GAB Stipulation

ATTORNEY GENERAL J.B. VAN HOLLEN ANNOUNCES

STIPULATION FILED WITH THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT

FOR THE WESTERN DISTRICT OF WISCONSIN

IN WISCONSIN CLUB FOR GROWTH, INC., et al.  v. MYSE, et al.

MADISON – Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen announced today he has entered a stipulation seeking to resolve an action brought by One Wisconsin Now and Wisconsin Club for Growth against the Government Accountability Board.

On this matter he offered the following statement:

Today’s stipulation makes clear that Wisconsin law does not require citizens to register with and report to the state government when they are engaged in issue-advocacy.         

As I stated in a formal opinion  issued yesterday, the Citizens United case holds the U.S. Constitution does not prohibit states from regulating at least some issue advocacy.

Importantly, whether Wisconsin will choose to do so is properly a matter for the legislature to decide.  If and when they take up that issue, I hope they give due consideration to the fact that the ability to freely engage in public discourse is a cornerstone of our democracy and Constitution.

See the stipulation filed today at: