A Washington-based public interest group wants CEOs of the nation's 500 largest companies to disclose whether they're spending money to influence the Bush administration's proposal to overhaul Social Security. Bruce Reed, co-director of the Center for Political Accountability, said that several companies, including Duke Energy Corp., Coca-Cola Enterprises Inc. and H.J. Heinz Co. have already responded to the survey. The center will publish the results early next month.
The center also intends to frame a broad shareholder resolution next year asking companies to tell investors how much money they're spending on political activities, including lobbying, and membership in trade associations that then lobby on behalf of their members.
"You'd be surprised at how companies are answering this in a very straight manner," Mr. Reed said. He expects to receive between 40 and 50 responses to the survey.
Companies currently have no legal obligation to disclose how much money they spend on political activity and issue advertising.
