Where is the Rome News when crap like this happens? Our new Senator's first day on the job and he rolls out a press release saying how proud he is of this new ethics "policy". The RNT just prints the release verbatim and doesn't ask a single question. Why don't they ask about the loopholes that still allow free food, free booze, and free trips paid for by the people seeking their influence? Being the people's watchdog is a primary function of the press. I know the RNT is strapped for reporters, but the public deserves better than this.

BTW, this "ethics reform" is only a Senate policy. It is not a bill to be enacted into law. And who governs this new "policy"? The Senators themselves deal with the violators.

"It is an honor to serve in a Senate that conveys trust and honesty for our constituents and I look forward to continuing the business of the people while at the Capitol.” Sen. Hufstetler

I have read the bill. Nothing more than a thinly veiled smoke screen. An insult to the voters/taxpayers.

I agree Serpentoe. We elect these people to the office because, they run. They are paid a per diem for meals rooms etc. They don't need lobbist in their pockets. The expensive trips golf excursiones, resorts and vacations should be a violation of the law. Politicans are so out of touch with the general public. They cater to the banks, insurance, utilites, and corporate America. The working man/woman have absolutely no represntation. It is a shame. But, they will be an accounting one day. It's a shame their votes are sold.

“With the passage of this resolution, Georgia is aligning itself with other states in order to become a more transparent governmental body,” said Hufstetler in the release. “It is an honor to serve in a Senate that conveys trust and honesty for our constituents and I look forward to continuing the business of the people while at the Capitol.” Sen. Hufstetler.

Chuck:

I know that today is your first day on the job so we excuse you for being naive, however we don't excuse you for trying to fool everybody. Ethics reform? Are you serious? This is what you call ethics reform and you couldn't wait to issue your first press release? Come on!

The bill limits gifts to $100, but leaves gigantic loopholes for travel and meals. Hotels, airfares, trips and junkets to posh resorts paid for by lobbyists are still unlimited.The Speaker's $17,000 family vacation to Germany is still legal under this bill. And meals are still unlimited if it is made available to "all members of the General Assembly, the Senate, or any caucus, committee or sub-committee". So now, just invite a few sub-committee members along and the liquor flows!

Lastly, this bill you are so proud of now restricts who can file an ethics complaint against Senators. As it is written, only "a Senator or Senate Staff, aide or intern" can file a complaint. In other words, only people who receive a paycheck from the Senate can file a complaint against a Senator. Missing from that list is the general public.

Nothing like trying to pull a fast one on your very first day on the job, Chuck.