A bill has been heard in the House that would expand the limits a lobbyist can spend on legislators. HB 2314 changes that limit from $100 to $500 that legislators can receive in gifts and hospitality.
In addition, the bill states that spouses of a legislator or candidate can also receive up to $500.
Carol Williams, Executive Director of the Kansas Ethics Commission, testified as neutral on the bill. Mrs. Williams noted that the bill also changes the limit requiring a lobbyist to disclose individual spending to a legislator from $2 to $15 and if that limit was in place last year 26% of recreation in the form of hospitality wouldn’t have been reported.
Representative Alcala (D) Topeka echoed Mrs. Williams’ concern that raising the nondisclosure limit would decrease transparency in special interest donations.
Is there anyone that doesn’t believe that lobbyists have Far To Much influence over our governing bodies?
No. No. No. No.
Please Vote Against HB 2314.