Sean Collins Walsh at the Austin American-Statesman wrote that the last Texas legislative session’s chairman of Appropriations, former state Rep. John “Otto is emblematic of what watchdogs call the revolving door between the Legislature and the lobbying industry, in which recently retired elected officials turn their relationships with former colleagues into fat paychecks from big business.” [He should add from government too as local governments run some of the highest paying and largest lobby armies.]
“After Gov. Greg Abbott made ethics reform one of his priorities this legislative session, lawmakers have introduced a package of measures aimed at increasing transparency of elected officials’ finances, regulating lobbyist activity and stiffening penalties for those convicted on corruption charges.
“Some of the ethics bills are making their way toward the legislative finish line, but HB 504, originally intended to establish a two-year “cooling-off” period in which ex-lawmakers would be banned from becoming lobbyists, appears to be foundering.
“The Senate swiftly approved a similar measure months ago, but a House committee gutted it, ethics watchdogs say. It has yet to make it to the House floor for a vote,” the story read.
I realize there are many who are uncomfortable with “ideology” but you should understand that this is what you get when House leadership isn’t ideological; not focused upon passing legislation to achieve political and philosophical gains. You get a body focused upon itself and the perks of being a member.
The Texas House under Straus is like the Federal House at present, it is heavily focused upon the careers of its members more than on the good of Texas.
Texas House puts member’s perks and wallets ahead of Texas
Robert Pratt
Sean Collins Walsh at the Austin American-Statesman wrote that the last Texas legislative session’s chairman of Appropriations, former state Rep. John “Otto is emblematic of what watchdogs call the revolving door between the Legislature and the lobbying industry, in which recently retired elected officials turn their relationships with former colleagues into fat paychecks from big business.” [He should add from government too as local governments run some of the highest paying and largest lobby armies.]
“After Gov. Greg Abbott made ethics reform one of his priorities this legislative session, lawmakers have introduced a package of measures aimed at increasing transparency of elected officials’ finances, regulating lobbyist activity and stiffening penalties for those convicted on corruption charges.
“Some of the ethics bills are making their way toward the legislative finish line, but HB 504, originally intended to establish a two-year “cooling-off” period in which ex-lawmakers would be banned from becoming lobbyists, appears to be foundering.
“The Senate swiftly approved a similar measure months ago, but a House committee gutted it, ethics watchdogs say. It has yet to make it to the House floor for a vote,” the story read.
I realize there are many who are uncomfortable with “ideology” but you should understand that this is what you get when House leadership isn’t ideological; not focused upon passing legislation to achieve political and philosophical gains. You get a body focused upon itself and the perks of being a member.
The Texas House under Straus is like the Federal House at present, it is heavily focused upon the careers of its members more than on the good of Texas.