There is a good idea being kicked around at Tondee’s Tavern:
Why not create a law that says “if a legislator receives any food, beverage, refreshment, or other substance typically used for sustenance or nutrition from a lobbyist during the legislative session, including days when the legislature is in recess or otherwise does not convene, he or she must forfeit that amount of his or her per diem.
This is a response to a report that lobbyists spent $856,898 on legislators during the 2009 session of the Georgia General Assembly.
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Why not create a law that says “if a legislator receives any food, beverage, refreshment, or other substance typically used for sustenance or nutrition from a lobbyist during the legislative session, including days when the legislature is in recess or otherwise does not convene, he or she must forfeit that amount of his or her per diem.
Lets see you get that legislation passed.
Love the idea in principle but wouldn’t it cause the lobbyists to up the amount or quality of the food to offset the loss of the per diem?
By the way, what is the per diem for a legislator so we know how much money is at stake?
I’m with VeryFast on this one as I have little faith in the legislators in reducing the influence of the lobbyists.
Sounds great to me.
I didn’t say it would go anywhere.
Why stop at the per diem? If necessary, it comes out of their pay. And beyond that, it’s a personal check to the state treasury if you want to qualify to run again. But more importantly, the acceptance of such gratuities should be documented and accessible on the internets for all the world — including potential opponents — to see.
Why don’t we just get rid of the legislature and have us vote on these issues without anyone having to lobby for them?
I support transparency more than government control. I think all our legislators should be put up on ebay so we can see who is bidding on them and who wins the auction.
Yep..
How about this: Many of us are employees of or head up organizations that retain lobbyists to “press” our issues on the legislators. The lobbyists are typically pretty well informed of thier employers strenghts, weaknesses, and legislative needs. The lobbyist plays a pretty important part in helping legislators make sound, informed decisions.
Now, having said that, I too am queasy about all these free meals, junkets, favors, or any sort of gift in kind or in cash. So, why not just bar that part of the lobbyists day and treat any all payments like this as a “bribe?” The NCAA has strict rules like that; why can’t a legislature?
I too am queasy about all these free meals, junkets, favors, or any sort of gift in kind or in cash. So, why not just bar that part of the lobbyists day and treat any all payments like this as a “bribe?” The NCAA has strict rules like that; why can’t a legislature?
Because a majority of legislators would tell you to grow up and that this is the way of the world. Well, they might not say it, but they truly believe it. Absent a substantial grassroots shame campaign such reforms will never pass. Big companies would rather not have their lobbying toolbox further impaired in any way, and the current legislature is not exactly teeming with populist sentiment.
Dash Riptide – Master of the understatement.
I think he is more a Jack of the understatement, or an apprentice of the craft of understating things.
I may have slightly understated my case once or twice.
this is getting ridiculous, this is the only food topic and no twice baked yam recipe.
I’m starting the campaign to promote Dash to Front Page Poster!
We need a new voice on PP! And, the “old guys” are starting to just taste too gamey…
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