JEFFERSON CITY – Today Governor Blunt announced that he would not accept any contributions in excess of the current limits during the few days before the legislative session begins. He encourages other elected officials to do the same.

A law passed last year significantly reformed state campaign finance laws by mandating strong new reporting requirements and ending campaign contributions from party committees, thereby increasing transparency in our campaign finance system. The law also prohibits statewide elected officials and members of the General Assembly from raising money for their campaign committees during the legislative session.

Governor Blunt believes it is important to begin the next legislative session under current rules and is discouraging all elected officials from taking unlimited contributions from January 1 through noon on January 3 when the legislative session begins. Because the changes take place January 1, this two and a half day window is unique and will not be an issue in coming years.

"The new campaign finance laws will bring greater transparency to the system, but it is important to begin the legislative session focused on doing the people's business and making Missouri a better place rather than engaging in a fundraising frenzy," Gov. Blunt said.