Representative Kathy Castor (D-FL) has introduced legislation to combat the use of “dark money” by utility companies to fund “ghost candidates,” and influence news organizations. Known as the Ethics in Energy Act, the bill would “prohibit electric utilities from using ratepayer dollars to fund shady political activities in the wake of scandals.”
According to Rep. Castor’s press release, scandals across the country have involved utility companies using ratepayer dollars to bribe and influence public policy in America, especially regarding energy.
For instance, Florida’s largest electric utility company, Florida Power and Light (FPL), was caught allegedly funding ghost candidates as well as hiring private investigators to “follow journalists and influence news coverage to mislead voters.”
Rep. Castor stated that “It is time for it to end.”
“Electric utilities should be prohibited from using ratepayer money to bankroll their political slush funds. FPL used shady tactics and dark money to hijack elections, mislead voters and steal elections, and it is time for it to end,” said Rep. Castor. “In fact, the numerous public corruption scandals involving electric utilities across the country require federal action immediately. Utility companies should be operating in the best interest of ratepayers, not raising electric bills to bankroll deceitful political activities and block clean energy.”
Moreover, Castor also introduced the Stillbirth Health Improvement and Education (SHINE) for Autumn Act, a bipartisan bill that looks to prevent stillbirth across the United States through enhanced data collection, research, education, and awareness.
The legislation would create the first comprehensive, federal-state partnership to reduce stillbirth rates.
“Together we can address the serious maternal and infant health crisis that is tearing families apart and causing significant pain and trauma,” said Rep. Castor. “Long-standing disparities among racial and ethnic groups persist, with Black women more than twice as likely to experience stillbirth as White women. With nearly one out of every four stillbirths estimated to be preventable, we need real change that will lead to measurable improvements in outcomes for mothers and babies.”
Within the Sunshine State, Castor received support from Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL).
“The U.S. stillbirth rate is unacceptable and must be addressed. Losing a child is an unimaginable tragedy, and we should use all resources available to prevent this devastating loss of life. I am proud to reintroduce this bipartisan legislation that would employ resources to significantly lower the number of stillborn babies in the United States,” said Sen. Rubio.
Castor is currently serving her sixth term as the District 14 Representative.
