ATLANTA (January 14, 2013) – Senator Butch Miller (R-Gainesville) applauds the Georgia State Senate for boldly passing a resolution that will amend the Senate Rules and cap gifts from any registered lobbyist or group of registered lobbyists at $100 per item, event or meal. The new rule originates from proactive efforts by the Georgia State Senate to solicit input from both Senators and citizens on how to effectively address lobbyist expenditure concerns.
“From the very beginning of my service at the Gold Dome, I have supported measures that promote government transparency and uphold the highest of ethical standards,” said Sen. Miller. “In fact, I was one of only 8 or 9 legislators to sign last year’s $100 ethics bill. Incorporating the $100 gift cap into Senate rules today was a positive step toward restoring the public’s trust and increasing government accountability.”
Currently, Georgia is only one of three states that does not have a limit on the amount of gifts a lobbyist can give to a legislator. However, taxpayers sent a loud message to state lawmakers last July when a nonbinding question to limit lobbyist gifts on the 2012 primary ballot received overwhelming support from Georgians statewide.
Any violations of the $100 gift cap will be subject to review by the Senate Ethics Committee.
RELEASE
For Immediate Release:
January 14, 2013
For Information Contact:
Jennifer Yarber, Interim Director
Shawna Mercer, Sr. Communications Specialist
Shawna.Mercer@senate.ga.gov
404.656.0028