Ethics Reform Legislation

Sen. Lassa, Rep. Black: Announce New Bills to Block the "Revolving Door"

2/6/2007

Contact: Senator Julie Lassa (608) 266-3123

Representative Spencer Black (608) 266-7521

Madison–Legislation introduced today by State Senator Julie Lassa (D-Stevens Point) and Representative Spencer Black (D-Madison) would create stiff penalties for Wisconsin lawmakers and PSC commissioners who take jobs with special interests after leaving office.

The bills address the “revolving door” between government and special interests, which critics have decried as a major factor in government corruption.

“When legislators and regulators know they can count on receiving cushy jobs from the same corporations and groups they are supposed to oversee, people start to wonder whose interests they really represent,” Lassa said. “These bills send a clear message: When you do the people’s business, you need to serve the people’s interests.”

"Current state law places a one year waiting period on most former state officials who wish to become lobbyists,” Black said. “The law, however, exempts legislators. It shouldn't. It is wrong to have a person who is a legislator one day come back the next lobbying his or her former colleagues on behalf of a special interest."

The first of two companion bills prohibits any legislator from accepting a job as a lobbyist for 12 months after leaving office. Any position that involves communicating with the legislature or a regulatory body five or more days in any six month period for the purpose of influencing laws or regulations would be off limits. The bill establishes fines of up to $5,000 per offense and up to six months imprisonment.

The second bill prohibits members of the state Public Service Commission from being employed by any person or group subject to PSC regulation for a year after leaving the commission. Along with PSC commissioners, executive assistants and division administrators would be subject to the law, which carries fines of $5,000 per offense and up to six months in prison.

"The Legislature just took a big step to strengthen our ethics law. This bill would further improve efforts to reclaim our once proud Wisconsin tradition of good government," Black said.

"Last November, the voters made it very clear that they’re tired of special interests having a stranglehold on their government, and they want something done about it,” Lassa said. “I hope my colleagues from both parties will answer that call and support these two important provisions.”

From Wispolitics

pic from WI Legislature Site