This is long overdue, no?
A state Senate panel unanimously approved a plan Tuesday that would bar lawmakers from receiving gifts and other perks from lobbyists.But some members of the Senate State Government Committee, which voted to send the proposal to the Senate floor, said the measure by Sen. Jeffrey Piccola, R-Dauphin, still needs work.
Piccola’s bill would prevent lawmakers and state officials from receiving gifts, hospitality, lodging or travel expenses from a lobbyist.
Under the proposal, state officials would still be allowed to receive a plaque or a memento of ‘‘insignificant’‘ value. They could also accept free admission and food to non-recreational events they attend in an official or ceremonial capacity.
It's time...ya think?
Lobbyist gifts are simply legal bribery. The fact that they have been OK up until now is beyond comprehension. Of course, to the people (on both sides) who engage in this there is the assumption that “it’s just the way the game is played.”
In the end, while you can’t find any reason not to support this, my guess is that lobbyists will just find another way to funnel favors to power….
And that’s your Cynical Thought for the Day :-)
Pilt
Cynical Thought of the Day
Heh. I like that.
Well yeah, it’s always been legalized bribery, but that doesn’t mean its verboten in Harrisburg!
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