The report that 4 out of 7 lobbyists employed by Hallmark Cards in 2023 have prior government experience suggests a revolving door dynamic. This type of executive political engagement can blur the lines between public service and private corporate interests, increasing the risk of undue influence on policymaking.

Hallmark Cards Profile: Summary

The decision to reduce the workforce by 400 employees adversely affects worker stability and undermines labor rights, reflecting a disregard for fair labor practices in favor of cost-cutting. This action is particularly concerning from an anti-authoritarian and pro-worker perspective.

Kansas City-based Hallmark Cards Inc. to lay off 400 of 30,000 worldwide workforce

Hallmark's statement underscores its commitment to democratic norms by supporting a broad political spectrum and expressly rejecting any authoritarian impulses, as evidenced by its disavowal of recent actions by certain senators. This balanced stance on political contributions aligns with anti-fascist values, earning a positive score.

Hallmark Statement Regarding HALLPAC Political Contributions

The PAC profile reveals that Hallmark Cards raised $95,727 during the 2023-2024 election cycle. Although the contribution is modest, corporate political financing—especially when linked with lobbying activities—can serve to amplify corporate influence over policy. From an anti-fascist perspective, any corporate engagement in politics that could potentially sway democratic processes warrants scrutiny.

PAC Profile: Hallmark Cards - OpenSecrets

Hallmark Cards' reported lobbying expenditure of $460,000 in 2023 reflects a significant investment in influencing public policy. From an anti-fascist perspective, such corporate lobbying can contribute to the undue sway of corporate interests in the political process, potentially undermining democratic and equitable policymaking.

Hallmark Cards Lobbying Profile

The reduction in workforce, including 38 involuntary layoffs, negatively impacts labor relations and workers' rights. This action reflects a disregard for employee welfare in favor of corporate restructuring, which undermines secure employment and fair labor practices.

Hallmark Cards reduces workforce | Springfield Business Journal

The involuntary layoffs of 38 employees, coupled with a voluntary resignation program, signal a significant negative impact on workers' rights and job security. While the restructuring is framed as an effort to boost digital innovation and efficiency, such workforce reductions are damaging from a labor rights perspective, highlighting potential neglect of employee welfare.

Hallmark Sends Very Best Pink Slips Again - Tony's Kansas City

The contribution of $57,000 by Hallmark Cards PAC, split evenly between the parties, demonstrates corporate involvement in political funding. While the bipartisan allocation avoids overt favoritism, any corporate political contribution can contribute to a broader system of corporate influence that may undermine democratic accountability and potentially facilitate authoritarian tendencies, warranting a modest negative score.

Hallmark Cards PAC Contributions to Federal Candidates

Hallmark Cards’ decision to demand the return of donations from Republican senators who refused to validate the democratic outcome is a corrective measure that reinforces democratic accountability. By pausing further donations and reviewing its policies in light of anti-democratic behaviors, the company demonstrates a commitment to upholding democratic norms and distancing itself from authoritarian tendencies.

Why does Hallmark Cards have a political action committee?

Hallmark’s decision to request the return of campaign contributions from Senators Hawley and Marshall, who were associated with actions following the Capitol riot, demonstrates a clear repudiation of extremist behavior. This move, along with pausing further political donations during a policy review, aligns with anti-authoritarian, pro-democratic principles and is rated positively under the Political Contributions and Lobbying Efforts category.

Hallmark asks Sens. Hawley, Marshall to return campaign contributions

Hallmark's decision to demand the return of donations from Senators Hawley and Marshall, who were involved in efforts to undermine the democratic election results, reflects a clear stance against authoritarian practices. By dissociating itself from extremist political actions and reaffirming its commitment to democratic principles, the company takes a positive, anti-fascist position.

Hallmark Cards asks Hawley, Marshall to return donations

Hallmark’s PAC took a clear stand against authoritarian behavior by demanding the return of contributions from senators whose actions, including sustaining objections to a peaceful electoral transition, undermined democratic processes. By dissociating from these figures, Hallmark is aligning itself with anti-fascist, pro-democracy values.

Hallmark PAC asks Hawley, Marshall to return employee donations

Hallmark’s PAC, representing employee contributions, demanded the return of donations from Senators Hawley and Marshall after their association with actions that contributed to the Capitol riot. This move reaffirms the company’s commitment to democratic procedures and rejects authoritarian behavior, aligning with anti-fascist values.

KC’s Hallmark PAC demands Hawley, Marshall return donations after deadly Capitol riot

The announcement of 120 layoffs, with a significant 90 at the headquarters, clearly undermines worker security and rights. Additionally, enforcing a 20% pay cut for top executives during this restructuring signals a drastic cost-cutting measure that predominantly impacts lower-level employees, reflecting poor labor relations and human rights practices.

Round of layoffs at Hallmark Cards - Ingram's