FOR
IMMEDIATE RELEASE
9/22/04
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Committee Approves Lobbying
Accountability
Panel Approves Senator Pippy's
Amendment Adding Additional Provisions
The Senate State Government Committee today
approved legislation that would set necessary
standards for public disclosure of lobbying activities
in Harrisburg, according to Senator John Pippy, R-37th
District and committee vice chairman.
Prior to the Committee's vote on Senate Bill 1, the
panel unanimously approved an amendment introduced by
Senator Pippy to expand the legislation to include
lobbyists hired by political subdivisions, such as
counties, cities and municipalities.
SB 1 was introduced by Senate President Pro Tempore
Robert C. Jubelirer to be "practical, effective, and
constitutional." It is termed the Lobbying
Accountability Act, because the essence is to compel a
public accounting of lobbying activity.
"I applaud Senator Jubelirer and his staff for
working with the Supreme Court to develop language
that tightens public disclosure standards in
Harrisburg and should stand up to any potential legal
challenge," Senator Pippy said. "The people have a
right to know who is lobbying, what they are spending
to impact public policy, and the issues at which those
lobbying efforts are being directed. This is good
policy and a necessary step to maintain the public's
confidence in the decisions made by state lawmakers."
The legislation mirrors the language of a rule
adopted by the Senate in January 2003 requiring
lobbyists to register and report spending for their
activities relating to lobbying the Senate. It is the
only lobbyist disclosure requirement currently in
effect in the Commonwealth.
Senator Pippy said his amendment would not include
elected or appointed officials – such as township
supervisors, managers or solicitors – who go to
Harrisburg as part of their assigned duties to discuss
matters with state lawmakers. "This provision is for
professional lobbyists who are retained by political
subdivisions," he said.
Senator Jubelirer voiced his support for Senator
Pippy's amendment.
"Senator Pippy appropriately introduced this
amendment," Senator Jubelirer told the Committee, "and
it makes it a better bill."
SB 1 is now headed to the full Senate for
consideration.
Contact: Matt Campion
412.262.2260
