Top House leader wants to ban gifts, meals from lobbyists

top Republican state House leader is suggesting lawmakers ban lobbyists from giving them gifts and most free meals.





With some former colleagues recently pleading guilty to federal crimes, several state lawmakers are introducing legislation this month to reform the way they do business in Jefferson City.

On Tuesday, House Majority Leader Steven Tilley unveiled a package of governmental reforms aimed at eliminating the perception that lawmakers are bought by special interest groups.

"What we're trying to accomplish is making ... a long-term structural change in what goes on in Jefferson City," said Tilley, who could become the next Speaker of the House if Republicans retain control of the chamber in 2010.

One of Tilley's main proposals would ban individual lawmakers from accepting any gifts and meals paid for by registered lobbyists. It would apply to meals provided to individual committees and the majority and minority caucuses in both chambers, Tilley said.

That proposal was met with immediate skepticism from members on both sides of the aisle who questioned the practicality of such a ban.

Lobbyists routinely buy catered meals for lawmakers who meet during the lunch hour in committees.

"We're going to lose a large part of our working day by not being able to work through lunch when we break from noon to 2," said Rep. Jim Viebrock, R-Republic.

Some committees also get fed breakfast by lobbyists and special interest groups during early committee meetings.

Viebrock said he attends dinners with lobbyists and other lawmakers outside of the Capitol to get educated on issues.

"I don't see anything wrong about going to a meal and getting some one-on-one attention to learn about an issue," Viebrock said.

Tilley said his proposed ban of lobbyist-funded meals would not apply to organizations that invite all members of the House or Senate to large events and dinners.

"I don't want to stop that because I don't want to discourage citizens of the state from coming up and advocating their positions," Tilley said.


Source:leader.com/