Enroll now for campaign finance workshops

By Glynis Crawford Smith

The Highlander

Just to prove the election cycle never ends, all the dates for May 6 elections are in sight now and office holders and candidates need to be preparing the financial reports due Jan. 17.

It is not too late to cash in on free half-day training events being offered by the Texas Ethics Commission (TEC) on Friday, Jan. 6, at the Texas Capitol in Austin.

“Our four-hour training will focus on real world scenarios demonstrating how to report political activity,” said TEC executive director Natalia Luna Ashley. “This is one-of-a-kind training we are providing to candidates and office holders. Our goal is to help them file their reports correctly and avoid common reporting errors.”

The TEC offers online enrollment on the website www.ethics.state.tx.us. By selecting “New Training” under the site's “Hot Topics,” those interested in attending will be able to enroll in a class from 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. or from 1-5 p.m. More information is available by calling 512-463-5800.

Financial reports are required of all candidates who have or will have a registered campaign treasurer or who will receive more than $500 in donations.

The Texas Ethics Commission was created by voters in 1997 through constitutional amendment to ensure a number of ethical practices among state elected, including financial disclosure by candidates, from the high office of governor down to local council members.