Ethics Commission May Sue For Funding

From www.tulsaworld.com ~ Ethics commissioners are contemplating a lawsuit against the Legislature to force elected officials to adequately fund the watchdog agency created by a vote of the people.

Chairman Don Bingham said Thursday that the State Ethics Commission is the only state agency the constitution specifically states must be adequately funded by the Legislature.

"The Legislature doesn't have to fund the Department of Human Services, or the governor's office, but it must fund the Ethics Commission," said Bingham, a Tulsa attorney.

Bingham said he is not optimistic that the Legislature will come forth with enough funding this session. The commission will wait and see what occurs by the end of session in May, then decide whether to file a lawsuit.

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