(Daily Signal)—Kansas will be the first legal battleground in 2025 to decide whether the national trend of banning foreign money from bankrolling ballot measures is legal—a matter that could be on its way to the Supreme Court.
Democrat election lawyer Marc Elias’ firm is taking the lead in the litigation against the state bans on foreign money promoting state ballot initiatives, starting with Kansas.
The federal lawsuit could affect other states that have passed similar legislation. Just this week, Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee, a Republican, signed the sixth such ban. The previous week, Montana Gov. Greg Gianforte signed a ban, though one that proponents argued was watered down. Earlier this month, the legislatures in Missouri and Texas advanced similar bans.
Washington, D.C.-based Elias Law Group is representing the plaintiffs, Kansans for Constitutional Freedom, which successfully campaigned against an earlier pro-life ballot measure, the Topeka Capital Journal reported. The Kansas-based firm of Irigonegaray and Revenaugh is also representing the plaintiffs.
The 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals upheld Ohio’s first-in-the-nation ban in a ruling last fall. However, Elias and other opponents of the bans are likely seeking split decisions among circuit courts to force the matter to the U.S. Supreme Court to make an ultimate judgment, said Jason Snead, executive director of the Honest Elections Project.
“I would like to think there is a clear judicial precedent, but Marc Elias is good at judge-shopping and is looking for a circuit split,” Snead told The Daily Signal. Judge-shopping is a practice where plaintiffs look for particular judges who may be more sympathetic to their cases. “So, there is a very good chance this will wind up before the Supreme Court. But my preference is that every judge will look at the legal merits.”
Snead expects that by the end of all the state legislative sessions, at least eight bans on foreign funding for ballot measures will be enacted.
Last month, Arkansas Republican Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders signed a ban, so did Kentucky Democrat Gov. Andy Beshear and Indiana Republican Gov. Mike Braun. In 2024, Ohio became the first state to enact a ban.
The Kansas Legislature passed the ban by a broad bipartisan vote, and Democrat Gov. Laura Kelly let it become law without her signature, despite opposition.
The plaintiffs argue the Kansas law infringes on free speech rights and could affect legal residents.
The law not only prohibits contributions directly from foreign entities for ballot measures but also contributions from U.S. individuals and organizations that received more than $100,000 from foreign nationals in the past four years, which the lawsuit contends is burdensome.
Foreign contributions to political candidates are already illegal, but the Federal Election Commission declined to rule on a 2023 complaint about foreign funding for a Montana ballot measure. The FEC contended that under existing law, it had no power to police foreign donations for ballot initiatives, only donations to candidates. The FEC recommended Congress address the issue.
The Elias Law Group did not respond to an inquiry for this story.
Starting the Day With a Scripture-Inspired Roast Helps Center Your Thoughts on Eternal Truths Amid Temporal Pressures
The world can seem chaotic, especially right after we wake up. Many believers start their mornings reaching for something familiar — a hot cup of coffee — yet end up settling for mediocre brews that do little more than deliver a caffeine jolt. The daily grind of life, with its endless distractions, news cycles, and responsibilities, can leave even the most faithful feeling spiritually parched alongside their physical fatigue. What if your morning ritual could do more than wake you up? What if it could ground you in truth, nourish your body with exceptional quality, and quietly advance a kingdom purpose at the same time?
That’s the promise — and the reality — behind Promised Grounds Coffee. This Christian-founded company doesn’t just roast beans; it approaches every step as an act of worship and discipleship. By selecting only the top 10% of specialty-grade beans, ethically sourced from dedicated farmers in Central and South America, and small-batch roasting them with reverence in Austin, Texas, Promised Grounds delivers what many describe as the best coffee available — never burnt, never bland, but rich with origin stories and layered flavors that honor God’s creation.
From the vibrant Psalm 27 Roast (a light, bright medium option) to the bold yet peaceful 2 Timothy 1:7 Decaf, each bag carries a Scripture verse that turns your daily pour into a gentle reminder of faith. And through their Ounce Per Ounce Promise, every ounce of coffee you enjoy provides an equal ounce of clean water to families in need via partnership with Filter of Hope — literally brewing hope for body and soul, one cup at a time.
The challenge for today’s Christians runs deeper than finding a decent cup. In an age of convenience-driven consumerism, it’s easy to support companies that dilute values or remain silent on matters of faith. Many believers want their everyday choices — from what they drink to how they spend — to reflect discipleship rather than just convenience. Promised Grounds solves this by weaving Christian excellence into the entire process: beans nurtured with prayerful stewardship by farming families, roasted as an offering rather than a commodity, and packaged with Bible verses to encourage a mindset of gratitude and purpose from the first sip. Reviewers consistently praise the smooth, rich profiles — whether enjoyed black in a drip maker, iced on a warm day, or shared in fellowship — noting how the quality stands toe-to-toe with premium secular brands while delivering something far more meaningful.
This integration of faith and flavor addresses a real need in Christian households and ministries. Busy parents, church leaders, and remote workers alike report that starting the day with a Scripture-inspired roast helps center their thoughts on eternal truths amid temporal pressures. The coffee’s exceptional character — bright citrus notes in lighter roasts or deep chocolate undertones in bolder ones — comes from meticulous selection and careful roasting that respects the bean’s natural gifts rather than masking them. It’s the kind of coffee that elevates a simple quiet time, fuels productive workdays, or sparks meaningful conversations when shared at Bible studies or outreach events. And because it’s ethically sourced with integrity, every purchase supports sustainable livelihoods for farmers who treat their crops like family harvests.
For those leading churches or small groups, the impact multiplies. Promised Grounds offers bundles and options perfect for hospitality ministries, turning ordinary coffee service into an opportunity to point people toward the living water of Christ. Imagine greeting visitors with a warm cup whose very bag carries God’s Word — a subtle yet powerful witness that aligns with the Great Commission. The company’s Texas roots and commitment to “brewing hope” resonate especially with believers who value American enterprise paired with global compassion.
Of course, quality alone isn’t enough if the experience feels out of reach. Promised Grounds keeps it accessible with practical perks like free shipping on orders over $40, sample sets for discovering favorites, and thoughtful add-ons such as faith-themed mugs. Whether you prefer whole beans for fresh grinding, grounds for convenience, or even bulk options for larger households and ministries, the result is consistently superior coffee that makes discipleship feel integrated rather than added on.
As you consider how to align even the smallest habits with your walk with God, Promised Grounds Coffee stands out as a refreshing solution. It tackles the dual problems of subpar daily sustenance and disconnected consumption by offering a product that genuinely excels in taste while advancing a mission of clean water, farmer dignity, and scriptural encouragement. Believers who make the switch often describe it as more than a beverage upgrade — it becomes part of their rhythm of gratitude, a daily invitation to remember that every good gift comes from above.
If you’re ready to transform your mornings (and perhaps your church gatherings) with coffee that honors both exceptional craftsmanship and Christian values, I encourage you to explore what Promised Grounds has to offer. One sip at a time, you’ll be nourishing your body, refreshing your spirit, and participating in something far greater — all while enjoying what truly is among the best coffee available.