Barry Kauffman is Executive Director of Common Cause/Pennsylvania, the Keystone State's leading good government advocacy organization.  As Executive Director, he serves as the state organization's chief executive officer and is its principal lobbyist in Harrisburg. 

 

Common Cause is a 10,000-member citizen lobbying organization.  It has been credited with creating the momentum necessary for passing numerous important government reform measures.  Some of these include:  The Public Officials Ethics Act, Lobbyist Disclosure and Regulation Act, Campaign Finance Disclosure Act;  Sunset Act;  Sunshine Act;  Open Records Reforms; Whistleblower Act; Judicial Discipline Constitutional Amendment; Tax Expenditures Act; Motor Voter Act; Independent Counsel Act;  Internet Disclosure of Campaign Contributions; Internet Availability of  Bills, Laws and Legislative Calendars; Statewide Uniform Voter Registration Act;  and Help America Vote Act Implementation.  Recently CC/PA helped pass campaign contribution limits for Philadelphia political campaigns, and County Website disclosure of political contributions for Allegheny County elections.  CC/PA also filed and won lawsuits to defend the constitutionally mandated process for passing state budgets, and defended the state pension system from attempted raids by retired lawmakers.  CC/PA advises local citizen groups on organizing, legal rights and good government issues.  It also is considered the "go to" source for comments on government integrity issues.

 

Common Cause/PA is currently working to restore the integrity of the legislative process and modernize the state's election laws.  It is aggressively pursing campaign contribution limits and a redistricting system that advances voters' interests in competitive elections.  An improved Open Records statute and the rights of Initiative and Referendum also are goals of the organization. 

 

Kauffman is a regular commentator on the above issues in media throughout the state, and beyond. He is frequently called upon to speak to a wide variety of organizations about government reform issues.

 

Prior to joining Common Cause, Kauffman was a citizens' advocate in the Governor's Office working out of the Governor's Action Center.  He also served the State Advisory Council on Vocational Education as a Regional Coordinator, and the Hospital Association of PA as a Program Consultant.

 

Kauffman served on Governor Rendell's Pennsylvania Elections Reform Task Force.  He is the founder of the Sierra Club Pennsylvania Environmental Lobby (SPEL), and started the publication SPELbinder (now PA Environmental Spotlight), Pennsylvania's first legislative newsletter focussing on environmental issues.  He is a past state chair of the Sierra Club.

 

Kauffman received a B.A. in Political Science from Indiana University of PA, and an M.S. in Communications from Shippensburg State University.  He is a native of Conestoga, Pennsylvania.