To: Governor Ralph Northam
Tell Gov. McAuliffe to close the ALEC loophole
Progress Virginia
Dear Governor McAuliffe,
I'm writing to ask you to amend SB1424 and HB2070 to close gift loopholes that would allow members of the General Assembly to accept free travel from special interests with zero disclosure. The bill the General Assembly sent to your desk exempts privately-sponsored travel to national conferences like ALEC from limits and disclosure. Similar exemptions also apply to any travel to attend an official meeting, even if the travel is paid for by private parties. Any business legislators are conducting on behalf of the Commonwealth should happen in the light of day. Please amend the bill to close this loophole and ensure gifts to public officials are regulated and transparent.
Thank you.
I'm writing to ask you to amend SB1424 and HB2070 to close gift loopholes that would allow members of the General Assembly to accept free travel from special interests with zero disclosure. The bill the General Assembly sent to your desk exempts privately-sponsored travel to national conferences like ALEC from limits and disclosure. Similar exemptions also apply to any travel to attend an official meeting, even if the travel is paid for by private parties. Any business legislators are conducting on behalf of the Commonwealth should happen in the light of day. Please amend the bill to close this loophole and ensure gifts to public officials are regulated and transparent.
Thank you.
Why is this important?
Transparency and disclosure have always been the bottom line of Virginia government. But a loophole in the "ethics reform" bill would allow legislators to accept flights, meals, and hospitality from corporate special interests at ALEC conferences with no limits and no sunshine. This is outrageous. The public's business should be conducted in the light of day.
This gigantic loophole is specifically designed for corporate front groups like ALEC. House of Delegates Speaker Bill Howell serves on ALEC's national board and, according to media reports, pressured colleagues in the House and Senate to accept last-minute changes to the bill.
Governor McAuliffe can close this loophole by amending the bill and sending it back to the General Assembly.
This gigantic loophole is specifically designed for corporate front groups like ALEC. House of Delegates Speaker Bill Howell serves on ALEC's national board and, according to media reports, pressured colleagues in the House and Senate to accept last-minute changes to the bill.
Governor McAuliffe can close this loophole by amending the bill and sending it back to the General Assembly.