HARRISBURG - Senator Jeffrey E. Piccola (R-15) issued the following statement
today regarding the Lobbying Disclosure Law:
"The recent actions of a few lobbyists and a California-based film
company, who successfully lobbied the Governor and General Assembly for a
$75 million tax credit program for the film industry, have exposed several
weaknesses in the newly enacted Lobbying Disclosure Law.
"In particular, I am deeply concerned with the lack of meaningful
penalties for engaging in lobbying in express violation of the law. I will
introduce legislation to provide for specific penalties for such illegal
conduct.
"In my role as Chairman of the State Government Committee I will be
planning a public hearing to explore thoroughly this loophole as well as
other areas of the Lobbyist Disclosure Law which may be in need of
strengthening.
"Clearly, we cannot permit lobbyists to hide what is spent on influencing
the Governor and members of the General Assembly. Accountability is the key
to reestablishing the public's trust in government. People who influence
the law should not be above it."
