House Republicans on Monday proposed a package of ethical reforms for state government including limits on staff campaigning and use of nonprofit organizations by public officials -- activities that figured into high-profile criminal prosecutions of Democrats in the Legislature.

"The status-quo mindset, the corruption and the general lack of good judgment must end," said House Minority Leader Sam Smith of Punxsutawney. "Everything government does is suspect anymore, so cleaning up the mess must be our first step."

Some of the GOP proposals have merit but some are redundant, said Brett Marcy, a spokesman for House Majority Leader Todd Eachus, D-Wilkes-Barre. He said the House adopted a rule in 2007 preventing lawmakers' involvement in nonprofits.

"We welcome Republicans to the fold of reform," Marcy said. "We've been a backer of reform efforts over the past two years. Certainly, accountability and transparency are something we should all strive for."