Governor Makes Ethics Reform Official

None by KCPW

(KCPW News) During his State of the State address, Governor Jon Huntsman Junior promised to ban gifts to himself and all employees in the Executive Branch. Yesterday he made it official with an executive order, but opted to allow gifts of quote "nominal value" and leaves the definition of "nominal" vague.

Senate Republican leaders think Huntsman realized what many lawmakers have long claimed - that a complete ban is unrealistic in political activity. The Governor offers ten exceptions to the ban, including meals of limited value and mementos, and is vague on participation in events like golf tournaments. Lawmakers, on the other hand, are allowed to accept gifts of any value, but must disclose anything worth more than 50 dollars.

Senate President John Valentine doubts the Governor's executive order will pressure lawmakers to make stricter rules for themselves. Rather than a gift ban, Valentine says the Senate is more likely to increase reporting requirements for lobbying activities and gifts. Huntsman's order also forbids nepotism in hiring for the Executive Branch and requires employees in his office to wait two years before returning to lobby their former employer.

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