Stem's Inaccurate Report Draws Murphey Action
Prompted by a recent incorrect filing by Capitol lobbyist Bobby Stem, a state representative who has pledged to refuse all gifts from lobbyists is calling for the creation of a "no gift list" for legislators.
State Rep Jason Murphey (R-Guthrie, left) said he returned or refused hundreds of dollars in lobbyist gifts during the past session.
Murphey said returning the gifts has been a major challenge since gifts are often left with office staff or mailed to his home: "I want to spend my time in the Legislature working for the people, not accepting lobbyist gifts and certainly not going through the hassle of returning unwanted gifts," Murphey said.
Murphey had considered sponsoring legislation allowing state lawmakers to be placed on a "no gift list," but did not act on the idea this year. Murphey said he decided to press the issue on Monday when The Oklahoman published a list of lawmakers who have received lobbyists'gifts. Murphey was shocked when the paper reported that he had received a $70 dinner from a lobbyist.
"I don't think I have ever eaten a $70 dinner in my entire life, much less one that was paid for by a lobbyist," he said. The report filed by Stem contained a clerical error which Stem has agreed to correct so Murphey's constituents will know he has not broken his pledge.
Murphey's proposal would create a voluntary list with the Oklahoma Ethics Commission for lawmakers wishing to avoid all appearance of impropriety. Lobbyists would be prevented from giving to lawmakers who ask to be on the list. Murphey said the list would put pressure on legislators since he believes constituents would demand that lawmakers place themselves on the list.
State Rep Jason Murphey (R-Guthrie, left) said he returned or refused hundreds of dollars in lobbyist gifts during the past session.
Murphey said returning the gifts has been a major challenge since gifts are often left with office staff or mailed to his home: "I want to spend my time in the Legislature working for the people, not accepting lobbyist gifts and certainly not going through the hassle of returning unwanted gifts," Murphey said.
Murphey had considered sponsoring legislation allowing state lawmakers to be placed on a "no gift list," but did not act on the idea this year. Murphey said he decided to press the issue on Monday when The Oklahoman published a list of lawmakers who have received lobbyists'gifts. Murphey was shocked when the paper reported that he had received a $70 dinner from a lobbyist.
"I don't think I have ever eaten a $70 dinner in my entire life, much less one that was paid for by a lobbyist," he said. The report filed by Stem contained a clerical error which Stem has agreed to correct so Murphey's constituents will know he has not broken his pledge.
Murphey's proposal would create a voluntary list with the Oklahoma Ethics Commission for lawmakers wishing to avoid all appearance of impropriety. Lobbyists would be prevented from giving to lawmakers who ask to be on the list. Murphey said the list would put pressure on legislators since he believes constituents would demand that lawmakers place themselves on the list.
Labels: Bobby Stem, Jason Murphey, Lobbyists Gifts
posted by Mike McCarville @ 5:02 PM
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