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Saturday, August 04, 2007
Ind. Gov't - Indy Star opines on ethics and the General Assembly
From an editorial today in the Indianapolis Star:
Let's hope the ethics reform legislation passed so decisively by Congress inspires similar action by Indiana's General Assembly. The proliferation of highly paid lobbyists in Washington and Indianapolis has created the perception that the interests of average citizens come in second to those able to buy political clout. * * *In Indianapolis, where the state legislature is employed on a part-time basis, there are 629 registered lobbyists, or about six for every representative.
Congress didn't intend to eliminate lobbying, just to set limits. Lobbying is a traditional part of American politics, and it is available to all citizens. The limits were prompted by a series of scandals involving lobbyists and representatives.
Some of the federal reform -- limits on use of private jets, for example -- might not be relevant to Indiana state government. But many of the other reforms would help improve the image of the Statehouse, including:
» A ban on lobbyist gifts to legislators. The state should be strict and avoid the loopholes in the congressional ethics package. Last year, lobbyists spent almost $2 million wining, dining and providing gifts to Indiana legislators. In Indiana, gifts are allowed as long as lobbyists report them.
» Representatives who leave Congress will have to wait two years before becoming registered lobbyists. In Indiana, there is no wait. Legislators can immediately cash in on their connections, as several have done recently.
» Pet projects will be clearly "earmarked" in Congress. Coming up with ways to point out bad legislation being slipped into the process would also benefit the Statehouse, too.
Other provisions impose tougher guidelines on campaign donations and the disclosure of spending by lobbyists.
Posted by Marcia Oddi on August 4, 2007 10:07 AM
Posted to Indiana Government | Legislative Benefits