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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 26, 2007
CONTACT:
Lee Derr
717-787-6538
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Orie Introduces Reform Legislation to Strengthen Accountability and Reduce Conflicts Of Interest in State Government

Senator Jane Orie (R-Allegheny) today announced that she will introduce a package of legislation, consisting of four bills, which will be designed to increase the opportunity for public scrutiny on, and reduce conflicts of interest in, state government.

In announcing her plan to introduce the bills, Orie stated: "Over the past year, the citizens of Pennsylvania sent the General Assembly and all elected officials a clear message that secrecy and conflicts of interest will not be tolerated, and that government must be open and accountable."

"I believe that several recent press accounts have corroborated the need for this.  Some have pertained to questionable appointments to the Liquor Control Board and the Gaming Control Board. These create the appearance of an "insider" atmosphere, even though the actions may have been technically legal.  Likewise, there have been reports of state officials hosting fundraisers for registered lobbyists and state agencies, like the Turnpike Commission, hiring lobbyists.  She went on to note:  "It is imperative to restoring public confidence that elected officials avoid even the appearance of impropriety."

One bill would prohibit an elected state official from accepting a paid position with any agency of the Commonwealth until at least two years have passed from the expiration of such official's term of office.  A second piece of legislation would require consent of the Senate for any appointee to the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board.  "I believe this legislation is necessary to insure that any nomination is fully and publicly evaluated, and to restrict the opportunity for any type of quid pro quo," Orie asserted.

The third bill would prohibit any elected state official from lending his or her name or likeness to an event designed to raise funds for another individual who is registered as a lobbyist.  The final piece of legislation will prohibit any state agency from hiring a lobbyist to talk to another state agency.  "My door is always open to any state or local official," as such, noted Orie, "I do not see the need to expend taxpayer funds in this fashion." 

The legislation has been circulated for co-sponsorship.