Ethics reform should be priority for Missouri

Ethics reform has been one of the primary focuses of this legislative session in Jefferson City.

In one way, it's a bit unfortunate that such attention is being placed on this topic. The state has many needs and priorities -- the state's crumbling transportation infrastructure among them. But in recent years ethics has been placed front and center due to questionable and unethical practices. And it was important for our lawmakers to address the eroding scruples we've seen at the capital. Indeed, unfortunate though it may be, ethics reform needed to be a priority.

A measure that passed Wednesday, the Associated Press reported, would bar lawmakers and other statewide elected officials from becoming lobbyists until six months after the end of their terms and would apply to current and future officeholders.

The original version of this legislation had a one-year cooling off period, which we would have preferred, but some, including our local Sen. Wayne Wallingford, argued that a person who is a lawmaker shouldn't have his or her freedom to pursue a career shortened by law. Frankly, we don't elect our lawmakers to go to Jefferson City to pursue careers. We send them to represent us and make laws that represent our values. But the six-month period was a good compromise, and we feel it is in the best interest of Missouri taxpayers for lawmakers to wait for a period of time to become lobbyists.

The Associated Press also reported that senators voted 30-1 in favor of allowing campaigns to invest only in short-term treasury or bank certificates to limit the returns candidates could earn. Candidates registering as lobbyists would also need to dissolve their campaign committees under the legislation. Any remaining money would have to be returned to donors, donated to a political party organization or given to charity. Previously, new laws were passed to prevent officeholders from hiring other officeholders as political consultants. These moves were positive developments.

In another move, however, senators voted to gut the gift ban from a gift-ban bill. Members voted 23-8 in favor of an amendment to instead enact a $40 spending limit per occasion per lobbyist for each lawmaker. We do understand that no one's votes can be bought for a simple dinner or even tickets to a ballgame. But it's a bad look, particularly as lawmakers pass bills that affect the poor in our state. Again, we vote for our representatives to do the work of our district. Free meals and tickets don't need to be part of the equation.

Overall, though, these ethics changes are moves in the right direction, and House Speaker Todd Richardson deserves praise for working to make them happen.