Dear Editor,
Ethics reform in Georgia was a hot topic during the 2012 legislative session. It is an even hotter topic now that the legislature refused to address a primary concern of Georgia citizens – the influence of money on legislators. House Speaker David Ralston, who has personally benefitted from the largesse of lobbyists, has come out strongly against legislation to address this concern. Senator Don Balfour, powerful chairman of the Senate rules committee, would not allow ethics legislation to be heard last session.
Georgia Conservatives in Action lobbies for ethics reform in state
GCIA joined with other conservative organizations to promote Representative Tommy Smith (R-Nicholls) and Senator Josh McCoon’s (R-Columbus) legislation which, among other things, would limit lobbyist gifts to $100. 00. Georgia is one of only three states that currently allow unlimited spending on legislators. Gifts come in the form of expensive dinners, sporting events, concerts, etc. According to an article in the AJC (5/27/12), lobbyists have spent $1.8 million dollars on gifts thus far in 2012.
GCIA had representatives present at the capitol during the period of candidate qualifying to sign a pledge to support the $100.00 limit. Last week Senate President Pro Temp Tommie Williams and Senator Don Balfour signed the pledge and promised to co-sponsor the legislation. It was reported that Senator Balfour had received tickets to 120 events in 6 years.
Ethics reform was also addressed at the recent Republican convention in Columbus, Ga. Delegates from the party sent a message in the form of a resolution to lawmakers that caps on gifts should be a legislative priority.
In the July 31 primary election, there will be a question on Republican ballots asking voters to vote on a non-binding resolution to limit gifts to legislators to $100. GCIA encourages citizens to vote for this.
GCIA will continue to ask candidates/legislators to sign the ethics pledge. Georgia Conservatives in Action also encourages voters to ask Representative Chad Nimmer and Representative Greg Morris to sign the pledge. The foundation of good government is strong ethics. For further information or to receive a copy of the pledge, contact Kay Godwin or Pat Tippett of GCIA at 912-282-2524.
Pat Tippett
GCIA had representatives present at the capitol during the period of candidate qualifying to sign a pledge to support the $100.00 limit. Last week Senate President Pro Temp Tommie Williams and Senator Don Balfour signed the pledge and promised to co-sponsor the legislation. It was reported that Senator Balfour had received tickets to 120 events in 6 years.
Ethics reform was also addressed at the recent Republican convention in Columbus, Ga. Delegates from the party sent a message in the form of a resolution to lawmakers that caps on gifts should be a legislative priority.
In the July 31 primary election, there will be a question on Republican ballots asking voters to vote on a non-binding resolution to limit gifts to legislators to $100. GCIA encourages citizens to vote for this.
GCIA will continue to ask candidates/legislators to sign the ethics pledge. Georgia Conservatives in Action also encourages voters to ask Representative Chad Nimmer and Representative Greg Morris to sign the pledge. The foundation of good government is strong ethics. For further information or to receive a copy of the pledge, contact Kay Godwin or Pat Tippett of GCIA at 912-282-2524.
Pat Tippett
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