Reform series begins Sunday

Opinion

Related Photos

Discussion

November 12, 2009

Anonymous The Kokomo Tribune Thu Nov 12, 2009, 05:03 PM EST

THE ISSUE: Statehouse lobbying reform

OUR VIEW: Lawmakers must strengthen Indiana’s lax lobbying standards.

Back in 2006, state Rep. P. Eric Turner proposed that Indiana counties change the tax bills they send property owners twice each year.

The Marion Republican wanted taxpayers to have more information on how their money is spent. He sought to make government spending more transparent. And since 2008, property tax statements have included each county taxing unit’s rate from the previous year, the current year and the percent of increase or decrease.

“Property-tax payers deserve to know how their property taxes are being spent,” said Turner, who represents such communities as Greentown, Sharpsville, Converse and Swayzee. “Additional information on the property tax bill will allow individual taxpayers to know specifically what local taxing units have had increased spending and what percentage increase is involved.”

If only interactions between lobbyists and members of the Indiana General Assembly were as transparent.

Lobbyists spent more than $24 million last year trying to influence legislators like Turner. Part of that money was spent on gifts to lawmakers, including golf trips, tickets to major sporting events, gift cards and dinners at swanky restaurants. The Indiana Energy Association, for example, paid $717 for premium seats at an Indiana Pacers game for Turner and his daughter.

It’s all perfectly legal. But the public’s interests can be pushed aside as lobbyists gain favored access and influence.

Sunday, we will begin the first of a three-day series on how Indiana’s lax standards on lobbying hurt Hoosiers. Follow-ups on lobbying reform will continue through the 2010 session of the state Legislature.

We join 22 other Indiana newspapers, serving more than 1.5 million readers, to advocate these reforms:

• Legislators may not accept any gift worth more than $50 in value from registered lobbyists.

• Lobbyists must disclose the value of all goods and services offered to individual legislators or groups of lawmakers, including meals, tickets to sporting and entertainment events, or other gifts.

• Legislators may not accept gifts, including payment of travel-related expenses, from businesses, organizations or individuals that do business with the state.

• Legislators may not accept meals, tickets to athletic games or other events, or any other gift valued at more than $50 from state universities or colleges.

• Former legislators may not work as registered lobbyists until one year after they leave office.

Our lawmakers hold the legal authority to regulate their own behavior.

Text Only | Photo Reprints

Opinion

Cast a vote for centers
The issue: Vote centers in Howard County.

Our view: Centers are less expensive to operate and more convenient for the average voter.

February 9, 2012
White shouldn’t return to office
The issue: The conviction of Indiana’s secretary of state.

Our view: Charlie White’s ouster from office should be permanent.

February 9, 2012
Editorial - Feb. 8, 2012: Grand success for Indianapolis
The issue: The Super Bowl.

Our view: Indianapolis left a great impression on thousands of visitors.

February 8, 2012
Letters to the Editor: Feb. 8, 2012
As Hoosiers celebrate the conclusion of a truly remarkable Super Bowl experience, there is even more good news that should fill us with pride. More Indiana students are graduating from high school than ever before.

February 8, 2012
Which religions will we include?
The Indiana Senate last week approved a bill that would allow public schools to teach creationism, as long as they include theories from multiple religions.

February 6, 2012 1 Photo
If you say so
In an opinion piece we published Thursday, state Rep. Mike Karickhoff announced why he voted against “right-to-work” legislation. His reason: The community told him to.

February 5, 2012
Cheers and jeers - Saturday, Feb. 4, 2012
Karickhoff acted ‘cowardly’

The Rev. Robin Wentworth Mayer and Horst G. Mayer of Kokomo send the Jeer for state Rep. Mike Karickhoff’s silence during the “right-to-work” debate:

“Mr. Karickhoff, for someone who’s new to office, you’ve certainly learned the art of talking out of both sides of your mouth.

February 3, 2012
Let’s drug test our lawmakers
Perhaps it’s appropriate that a measure passed by the Indiana House this week would ask not only welfare recipients but Indiana lawmakers to consent to a drug test.

February 3, 2012
Editorial - Feb. 2, 2012: Peru delivers a message
The issue: Peru’s collection of $20,000 last year from property owners who failed to keep their yards mowed.

Our view: Aggressive enforcement can help a city’s finances, but the benefits go beyond dollars and cents.

February 2, 2012
Karickhoff: Reason behind my ‘right-to-work’ vote
There is no doubt the “right-to-work” debate has brought mixed emotions, not only to our state but District 30 as well. There were only a handful of House Republicans who did not vote in support of this legislation. Let me explain why I felt it was necessary for me to vote in opposition to right to work.

February 2, 2012
More Opinion Headlines

Opinion

Search Results

Related Photos

Discussion

Reform series begins Sunday

Site Map

Contact Us