December 17, 2007
Dear Fellow Nebraskans:
We are a few weeks from the start of the 2008 legislative session and I recently announced the first of several proposals for the upcoming session.
Senator Bill Avery and I want to promote good government by reforming Nebraska’s lobbying laws. We believe that there should be a two year moratorium on state elected officials who want to become registered lobbyists after leaving office.
Our proposal would apply to state senators as well as the Governor, the Lt. Governor, the Attorney General, the State Auditor, the Secretary of State, the State Treasurer, the Public Service Commission, the State Board of Education, and the Board of Regents.
It is in the best interest of Nebraskans that there is some period of time between when an elected official leaves office and when they become a lobbyist. Many states have a waiting period from six months to two years before an elected official can become a lobbyist, and I believe that is appropriate.
The focus and priority of elected officials should be on the people of Nebraska, not special interest groups.
Nebraskans have a right to expect high standards from the people they elect to public service. This bill would help develop an even better government for our great state.
Thank you.
