We’ve all heard the saying: “Show me your budget and I’ll show you your values.”
Well, when it comes to politicians, you don’t even need their budget. You just need their campaign finance records. It will tell you everything you need to know and why they’re not worried about you.
Too many elected state and federal officials claim to care about “justice reform” while taking checks from prison contractors, private probation companies, or law firms that profit off incarceration.
Thanks to TransparencyUSA, you can track the money for yourself and vote like you mean it.
Step 1: Go to TransparencyUSA.org
TransparencyUSA is a free, easy-to-use database that tracks campaign finance in all 50 states. Their mission is simple: follow the money, see the truth.
Step 2: Search Your State or Candidate
On the homepage, select your state. Use the search bar to type in the name of your elected official (or candidate you’re researching).
You’ll instantly see how much money they’ve raised, who’s funding them, and where it’s being spent.
Local candidates’ information will usually be found at the county level; you’ll have to search for their local websites or go to your clerk’s office to access that information.
Step 3: Look at Donors — Not Just Dollars
The total dollar amount matters, but the donor list tells the real story.
Are they funded by law enforcement unions, private prison companies, or big law firms like Reminger or Freeman Mathis & Gary?
Do they rely heavily on PAC money tied to construction companies (who profit from jail expansions) or political machines invested in “tough on crime” policies? Or do you see grassroots donors, reform-focused PACs, and individuals from your community?
I’ve found this in my own backyard time and again. Rep Matt Hall sure does love his dark money PACs.
Step 4: Follow the PACs
TransparencyUSA lets you click into PACs to see where their money comes from and where it goes. If your elected official’s biggest backer is a PAC funded by corporate defense firms, prison contractors, or lobbyists, you know exactly whose interests they’ll protect in office.
Step 5: Vote With Clarity
Campaign ads, stump speeches, and social media branding can all be smoke and mirrors. Money is harder to fake. By tracking the cash, you can cut through the noise and see who is truly invested in mass incarceration and who deserves your vote as a reformer.
Why This Matters
The prison industrial complex doesn’t just survive, it thrives on political donations. Corporations invest in candidates who will approve jail construction, defend police misconduct, and block reform bills.
By shining sunlight on campaign finance, we weaken their grip and strengthen our communities.
Take Action
Look up your state at TransparencyUSA.org. Share what you find with your neighbors, coworkers, and family. Support candidates whose money matches their values. Reject politicians bankrolled by the prison industrial complex.
Figure out who the Power Players are, who are the fat cats (Like the DeVos Family, or the politicians that all donate to each other over and over to stay in power). And then change the game.
Bottom line: Don’t just take a candidate’s word for it, because most of them are lying through their fake teeth.
Check their receipts.
Because justice isn’t about what they say; it’s about who pays them to say it.
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