FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
02/04/05
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Senate prioritizes Lobbying Accountability Act

Senate Bill 1 Would set standards for public disclosure

The new Lobbying Accountability Act will be introduced as Senate Bill 1, a clear indication of the importance attached to it, according to Senator John Pippy, a co-sponsor of the bill.

 "This legislation would improve the public disclosure standards in Harrisburg," 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 Senate adopted a rule in January 2003 and again in January 2005 that requires lobbyists to register and report their spending as it relates to lobbying the Senate.  This rule remains the only lobbyist disclosure requirement in effect.

 In compliance with the Senate Rule, nearly $87 million in lobbyist spending was reported for calendar year 2003, and $64 million for the first half of 2004.

Under SB 1, reports will be filed regularly with the Department of State.  The state Ethics Commission will conduct audits and undertake investigations.  The Disciplinary Board of the Supreme Court will also receive information and investigate matters involving those lobbyists who are also lawyers.  The state Attorney General will provide high-level enforcement, in conjunction with the Disciplinary Board.  

"Lobbying is big business in Pennsylvania, and it is getting larger each year.  The public deserves to see who all the players are, how much they are spending, and where their efforts are being directed," said Senate President Pro Tempore Robert C. Jubelirer, the prime sponsor of SB 1. "With high-impact, high-pressure issues ranging from health care to taxes to gambling being extensively debated; it is unsatisfactory that not a shred of information has to be revealed in regard to the lobbying efforts aimed at two-thirds of the legislative process."

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