Missouri House member proposes ethics legislation

Thursday, December 15, 2011

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) — A Democratic House member from Kansas City is proposing legislation to cap political donations and create new restrictions for lobbyists.

Jason Kander proposes capping contributions in House races at $500, at $1,000 for Senate campaigns and $2,000 for statewide offices.

Missouri currently does not have campaign contribution limits but donations of more than $5,000 must be reported within 48 hours.

The legislation also would bar former lawmakers from working as a lobbyist for two years and ban officials from accepting any gifts from a lobbyist.

Kander says the legislation would help restore the public’s faith in the state Legislature. He says public service loses its meaning when officials use their positions to help themselves.

Missouri lawmakers passed ethics legislation in 2010.

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muleman 1 year, 5 months ago

Kander says the legislation would help restore the public’s faith in the state Legislature. He says public service loses its meaning when officials use their positions to help themselves.

What a crock. More people have more faith in winning the lottery than they do in politicians. If politicians weren't there to help themselves, then why are they there? Go vote yourselves another raise while laying off other state employees. As long as it costs more to get elected than the position pays things will never change.

Gabrielle 1 year, 4 months ago

muleman: would you kindly explain this:

'As long as it costs more to get elected than the position pays things will never change.'

The connection escapes me.

MissouriTenth 1 year, 4 months ago

We should expect more out of our leaders, as they work for us. But even despite the red-tape and political back-room deals - there's a few positive signs out there! See what legislation has been passed in Missouri for 2011, and is proposed for 2012. Want Missouri to be protected from Federal intrusion into our personal lives? See if your concern makes the list of what your elected officials think should be done. If it's not there, call them. It's up to us - we can impact meaningful change on our community. Check it out at: missouritenth.com/2012/01/14/current-nullification-efforts-in-missouri-2012/

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