Politics & Government

New State Sen. Hunter Hill Praises Move to Limit Gifts From Lobbyists

Hunter Hill Represents parts of Sandy Springs.

 

From Shawna Mercer

The Georgia State Senate took a bold step passing a resolution on the first day of the 2013 legislative session that will amend the Senate Rules to limit gifts from any registered lobbyist or group of registered lobbyists at $100 per item, event or meal. Sen. Hill (R –Smyrna) supports and praises this bipartisan effort to make ethics reform a priority.

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“Our work to regulate and limit lobbyist gifts is still a work in progress, but I am pleased with this step in the right direction,” said Sen. Hill. “I sincerely hope these open conversations about ethics between legislators and the public will continue beyond this resolution.”

The new rule originates from proactive efforts by the Georgia State Senate to solicit input from both Senators and citizens on how to effectively address lobbyist expenditure concerns. Any violations of the $100 gift cap will be subject to review by the Senate Ethics Committee 

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Leaders of the Senate Majority Caucus also offered the following statements regarding the resolution:

"This resolution is the result of open dialogues not just within the Senate, but also with the people of Georgia,” said Sen. Majority Leader Ronnie Chance (R-Tyrone). “This measure is an effective, common sense approach supported by both parties in the Georgia Senate.

"I have long supported limitations on lobbyist giving, and I applaud the Senate for the common sense rules passed today," said Sen. President Pro Tem David Shafer (R-Duluth). "I appreciate the bipartisan work of the Senate Ethics Reform Study Committee."

 

 


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