Lawmakers Across the Country Block Ethics Reforms Meant to Increase Public Trust
Despite growing public concern over government transparency and accountability, lawmakers across the United States have blocked numerous ethics reforms aimed at increasing trust in institutions this year. According to ProPublica, measures to limit gifts, strengthen conflict-of-interest rules, and expand financial disclosure requirements were thwarted or watered down in several states.
In Virginia, for example, a bill that would have tightened gift limits was killed by lawmakers, despite the state's governor, Ralph Northam, expressing support for the measure. "We need to make sure our government is transparent and accountable," Northam said in a statement. However, according to Louis Hansen of the Virginia Center for Investigative Journalism at WHRO, the bill ultimately died due to opposition from Republican lawmakers.
In New Mexico, a similar fate befell a proposal to expand financial disclosure requirements. The measure was watered down by lawmakers, who removed key provisions that would have required elected officials to disclose their investments and business ties. According to Marjorie Childress of New Mexico In Depth, the weakened bill ultimately passed, but its impact is limited.
In North Dakota, a bill aimed at strengthening conflict-of-interest rules was blocked by Republican lawmakers. The measure would have prohibited state officials from working on projects that benefit themselves or their families. However, according to Mary Steurer and Jacob Orledge of the North Dakota Monitor, the bill ultimately died due to opposition from the state's Republican-controlled legislature.
The moves come as voters increasingly demand greater transparency from their elected officials. According to a recent survey by the Pew Research Center, 72% of Americans believe that government corruption is a major problem in the country. The blocking of ethics reforms has sparked concerns about the erosion of public faith in government.
ProPublica's investigation found that lawmakers across the country have been resistant to ethics reforms, despite growing public concern over government transparency and accountability. According to Gabriel Sandoval, one of the authors of the ProPublica report, "Lawmakers are often more interested in protecting their own interests than in serving the public interest."
The blocking of ethics reforms has significant implications for public trust in government. As Kate McGee of The Texas Tribune noted, "When lawmakers block transparency measures, it sends a message that they're not committed to serving the public interest." The current status of these efforts is uncertain, but one thing is clear: the public's demand for greater transparency and accountability will only continue to grow.
Background
The push for ethics reforms has been gaining momentum in recent years, driven by growing public concern over government corruption and lack of transparency. According to a report by the Center for Responsive Politics, 2019 saw a record number of ethics complaints filed against lawmakers at the federal level. The blocking of ethics reforms has sparked concerns about the erosion of public faith in government.
Expert Opinion
According to Richard Briffault, a professor of law at New York Law School and an expert on government ethics, "The blocking of ethics reforms is a clear indication that lawmakers are more interested in protecting their own interests than in serving the public interest." Briffault noted that the lack of transparency and accountability in government has significant implications for public trust.
Next Steps
The future of ethics reforms remains uncertain. However, according to ProPublica's investigation, there are several efforts underway to push through legislation aimed at increasing transparency and accountability. As one advocate noted, "We will continue to push for greater transparency and accountability, despite the obstacles we face."
This story was compiled from reports by ProPublica and ProPublica.
