Calif. lawmakers propose limits on gifts
By Laurel Rosenhall, Sacramento Bee
Following a spate of ethical problems at the Capitol, a group of California lawmakers Thursday proposed a set of bills they say will change the way they do business.
In recent months, two senators have taken leaves of absence to fight criminal charges, and two Sacramento lobbying firms paid record-setting fines for violating lobbying laws.
Senate Democrats, saying the events had prompted their action, unveiled proposals to ban campaign fundraising parties at the homes of registered lobbyists, cap gifts for legislators at $200 apiece and specifically prevent them from getting free tickets to concerts, sporting events and amusement parks.
Just adopt the Federal guidelines:
No gifts over $20.
A gift includes anything of
monetary value, including a gratuity, favor, discount, entertainment, training,
transportation, lodging, and meals.
$133,000? Petty Cash for the lobbyists. And how does this relate to how much politicians were “gifted” by Insurance lobbyists to keep private for profit Health Insurance companies insuring Americans and being subsidized by taxpayers dollars for the lower income segment of society? The insurance companies are not losing a dime, if anything profits are going to soar. (Judging by my stocks financial reports anyway, only more profits shown) Single Payer Health Insurance Now! and if you are one of the whiners, I am sure the Health Insurance Monopoly will be more than willing to sell you a “supplement” to offset your paranoia.
Haven’t we heard this before?????
This will be nothing more than the wolf watching the hen house.