RICHMOND, Va. — The author of four ethics-reform bills says a House proposal opens the way to free vacations for lawmakers.
“Travel is at the heart of what we receive, and this is like Swiss cheese,” state Sen. Chap Petersen said of the House ethics package.
The House of Delegates plan imposes a $250 limit on gifts legislators can receive from lobbyists and individuals with business before the state.
The gift cap does not include travel.
The wording of the bill leaves open the prospect of lawmakers taking paid-for vacations.
“It doesn’t go far enough in changing the culture,” he said, noting that the delegates’ plan keeps the General Assembly exempt from Freedom of Information Act provisions.
“We operate in an ethics-free environment,” said the Fairfax Democrat, who wants to end the FOIA waiver.
There’s even disagreement over who classifies as a “friend.”
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