This week, Rep. Mayes Middleton (R-Wallisville) introduced a number of proposed laws to bring more ethics reforms to the state and local governments so taxpayers know how their money is being spent.
“Government transparency is a basic taxpayer right,” said Middleton in a press release. “We must also ensure that politicians don’t profit off their positions.”
House Bill 1702 would prevent legislators from lobbying immediately after leaving office, ending the pipeline from legislator to lobbyist, while House Bill 1703 would require government officials to disclose which of their immediate families or subsidiaries are beneficiaries of their role as a government official. On top of that, House Bill 1704 would require lobbyists to report their activities on a monthly basis, rather than a yearly report, for more transparency.
“Sunshine is the best disinfectant of government waste, fraud, and abuse. Taxpayers must know how their money is being spent. Holding office must be about public service, not self-service,” Middleton added.
Citizens concerned about fraud and government waste can contact their local representative.
