Missouri Senate begun debates ethics government
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Missouri Senate begun debates ethics government

Date: April 14, 2014
By: Jeffrey Militzer
State Capitol Bureau
Links: SB 966

Intro: 
Missouri's Senate began what is expected to be a lengthy debate in ethical reforms for public officals.
RunTime:  0:34
OutCue:  SOC

Wrap: A measure being debated in the Missouri Senate would stop the revolving door policy for lawmakers after leaving office.

Legislators would have to wait a for a period of two years before they may be employed as a lobbiest or other offical that affects current legislation.

The bills sponsor is Northwest Missouri Repbulican Senator Brad Lager.

Actuality:  ETHICS1.WAV
Run Time:  00:06
Description: "We have created a process by which the public can have trust and confidence in what we're doing here."

The Senate put an hour on the measure before putting it aside for another time.

Reporting from the state Capitol, I'm Jeffrey Militzer.

Intro: 
Missouri's Senate began what can be expected to be a lengthy debate over financial transparency for state elected legislators.
RunTime:  0:47
OutCue:  SOC

Wrap: The Missouri Senate started its debate on political ethics aimed at addressing the role of special interest money in government.

Kansas City Democrat Senator Jason Holsman offered an amendment to the measure which would limit the contributions a candidate may recieve from donors for elected office.

Holsman said the current lack of limits on campaign finance severely limits the influence of groups of citizens and instead favors the very few, very wealthy contributors.

Actuality:  ETHICS2.WAV
Run Time:  00:11
Description: "So to use the argument that they're going to get around it anyways is a reason not to do it, I believe does not address the point of restoring public confidence."

Others have said the measure would not effectively limit the financial input of the very rich.

Reporting from the state Capitol, I'm Jeffrey Militzer.