Benge Says Ethics Reform Work Will Continue

House Speaker Chris Benge, R-Tulsa, released the following statement in response to the passage today of ethics reform legislation, House Bill 2196, the Clean Campaigns Act: “I commend my House colleagues for moving this issue forward in a constructive way. We will continue to work on the bill throughout session as we attempt to craft a comprehensive ethics package. I pledge to work with all members to put together a fair and equitable ethics bill that all members can be proud of when the process is complete.”

Rep. David Dank (R-Oklahoma City), who has made ethics reform a chief goal, reacted with this statement: "I want to thank my House colleagues from both parties who voted to advance this important reform measure. The two key elements in the bill include a ban on contributions during the legislative session to erect a barrier between fundraising and lawmaking, and the prohibition of money transfers between political action committees. These elements emerged intact.

"Ethics reform remains a central goal of this session, with strong bipartisan support in both houses. We are well on our way to enacting this bill into law and to restoring the public's faith in the way we do business here at the Capitol. I intend to push for final passage of the bill at the earliest possible date."

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