State GOP to Consider Ethics Reform Resolution

None by KCPW

Lobbyist Gifts, Campaign Finance and Open Meetings Under Fire

(KCPW News) The State Legislature has refused for years to enact significant ethics reform that would limit their ability to fundraise, accept gifts from lobbyists or vote on issues that may pose a conflict of interest. At the State Republican Party Convention this Saturday, a retired banker from Utah County is hoping to pass a resolution that will put pressure on lawmakers.

Grant Misbach is a first-time Republican state delegate from District 62. He says for the most part, Utah's government has been handled well at all levels. But this weekend he's hoping to get his fellow Republican delegates to endorse a resolution demanding the state legislature limit gifts from lobbyists, prohibit lawmakers from also lobbying for pay and make all meetings and caucuses open to the public. Given previous resistance to such measures, Misbach acknowledges the battle is a difficult one to wage, but worries that without sincere ethics reform his party could lose control of Congress and some local seats.

Republicans meet in State Party Convention this Saturday at 10 a.m. at the South Towne Expo Center in Sandy.

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