With the special session on government ethics flying by, Governor Bobby Jindal picked up two big wins today although there still could be some heavy showdowns on some legislative instruments as the session must end on March 1.
The financial disclosure legislature and Bobby Jindal’s ethics agenda received a big boost as the Senate Governmental Affairs Committee approved the much-amended HB1 legislation as it passed through the grueling Senate committee which could be a real political plum for the administration and a real asset in favor of government reform.
Among other matters, the bill extends the Governor’s disclosure requirements to six elected offices, his cabinet secretaries, top aids and other government agencies.
It sets up three “tiers” of disclosure.
It requires more disclosure information from legislators and other part-time state employees such as income, investments, debts over $10,000.
Although the Judiciary is not covered by the law, the Supreme Court has notified the legislature that it will set strict guidelines on disclosure.Previously, Senate President Joel Chaisson had alerted the Judiciary that should that body not seem reform, it would take action on its own.
Also, House Bill 41 made it through Senate committee by a 3-2 margin.That bill has modified the way the ethics board operates and curtails the power of the board.The administration has wanted to maintain separate control over the prosecution and the decision-making function of the ethics complaints.While there was strong dissent against the change, the measure passed which provides Administrative Law Judges judicial authority over the complaints.
Heaven forbid that he should have a bad day.................... Like what a lot of constituents face because of this "new" stylized type of approach that is merely the same old song and dance bound by a different cover. Written by ....Why don't you get real for a change?
on 2/20/2008
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