"Revolving Door" Spins Quickly on Utah's Capitol Hill
None by KCPW
(KCPW News) Becoming a paid lobbyist is a popular career move for former lawmakers on Utah's Capitol Hill. A new report from the Center for Public Integrity finds 10 percent of registered lobbyists in Utah are former state legislators - that's one of the highest rates in the country.Researcher Leah Rush says nationwide, lawmakers find a variety of ways to put their political skills to use in the private sector.
Rush says lobbying jobs often pay significantly more than a lawmaker's stipend - also true in Utah. About half of states have laws meant to restrict the revolving door, such as a cooling off period before lawmakers can begin to lobby. The Utah Legislature has resisted those laws.
Among the 30 former Utah lawmakers registered as lobbyists in 2005 were former Utah Senate president Cap Ferry and former House Minority Leader Frank Pignanelli.
Email to a friendPosted in KCPW Newsroom. Copyright 2008 KCPW
1. Jordan Tanner said:
During the decade I spent in UT Hse of Reps, I sponsored many bills that would have required a "cooling off" period after a legislator leaves office. Even a one year wait before taking up high paying lobbyist was defeated. The Utah legislature needs to pass reform legislation in the worst possible way. The voters in UT want more restrictions on gifts to legislators, campaign finance restrictions, stricter definitions on conflict of interest and more definition on lobbyist reporting on what and to whom they give financial compensation.
2. wayne Searle said:
Don't forget Jan Graham's Beagle Fourum