Lobbyists can now buy meals for lawmakers and eat them here at the Okla. Capitol. Photo credit: {a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sergemelki/2522081363/sizes/m/in/photostream/"}@Serge Melki{/a}
On Friday, the Oklahoma Ethics Commission– the “constitutional state agency which promotes Oklahoma citizens’ confidence in state government” — voted to give lobbyists more ethical leeway and more opportunities to influence lawmakers.
A new exception lets lobbyists bypass a $100 limit on meals bought for legislators. Commissioner Jo Pettigrew, who sponsored the new rule change, explained that the rule would make lawmakers’ meal times more efficient:
Commissioner Jo Pettigrew, who sponsored the rule, said it would be helpful during late-night sessions by allowing lawmakers to eat in their respective chambers rather than going out.
“It helps to continue the (legislative) process,” she said. “It keeps things moving more speedily.”
What’s so bad about a sack lunch?
Read more:
Associated Press: Ethics proposal would allow lobbyists to skirt spending limit, buy meals for Okla. lawmakers
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