Comments on: Gift ban would hit government lobbyists hardest http://www.atlantaunfiltered.com/2010/01/14/gift-ban-would-hit-government-lobbyists-hardest/ Nothing but the truth Tue, 07 Feb 2012 16:33:08 +0000 hourly 1 By: Neal Smith http://www.atlantaunfiltered.com/2010/01/14/gift-ban-would-hit-government-lobbyists-hardest/comment-page-1/#comment-1414 Neal Smith Fri, 15 Jan 2010 14:24:09 +0000 http://www.atlantaunfiltered.com/?p=3289#comment-1414 Why do lobbyists need the $100 gift exclusion? Why a $25 gift exclusion? In fact, I would be extremely grateful if someone could off one good reason to have lobbyists? I am sorry, the old "they provide an educational function for the legislators" explanation doesn't work. If legislators need more staff to provide unbiased briefs and research on legislation, then let's hire more staff. I say ban 'em all. Of course, some will say that will disenfranchise lesser-known organizations that are worthy of state assistance. While that may be true, it is just the cost of cleaning up institutionalized influence peddling and greed. Why do lobbyists need the $100 gift exclusion? Why a $25 gift exclusion? In fact, I would be extremely grateful if someone could off one good reason to have lobbyists? I am sorry, the old “they provide an educational function for the legislators” explanation doesn’t work. If legislators need more staff to provide unbiased briefs and research on legislation, then let’s hire more staff. I say ban ‘em all. Of course, some will say that will disenfranchise lesser-known organizations that are worthy of state assistance. While that may be true, it is just the cost of cleaning up institutionalized influence peddling and greed.

]]> By: Bill Bozarth http://www.atlantaunfiltered.com/2010/01/14/gift-ban-would-hit-government-lobbyists-hardest/comment-page-1/#comment-1412 Bill Bozarth Thu, 14 Jan 2010 20:08:17 +0000 http://www.atlantaunfiltered.com/?p=3289#comment-1412 Common Cause has noted over the years that much of the lobbying cohort at the Capitol consists of people representing state agencies. The people are paying twice. We pay the salaries or fees of the lobbyists, and we pay the price of politically driven decisions on where taxpayer money is directed. The agency with the best relationship with legislators is the agency that is likely to be treated well. Common Cause has noted over the years that much of the lobbying cohort at the Capitol consists of people representing state agencies. The people are paying twice. We pay the salaries or fees of the lobbyists, and we pay the price of politically driven decisions on where taxpayer money is directed. The agency with the best relationship with legislators is the agency that is likely to be treated well.

]]> By: Montana L http://www.atlantaunfiltered.com/2010/01/14/gift-ban-would-hit-government-lobbyists-hardest/comment-page-1/#comment-1411 Montana L Thu, 14 Jan 2010 18:01:03 +0000 http://www.atlantaunfiltered.com/?p=3289#comment-1411 Q: Why does univ. system need to hand out gifts? Seems like any legislator would want to be a friend of education, with or without football seats. Q: GWCC? Eh? What do they need? Q: Why does univ. system need to hand out gifts? Seems like any legislator would want to be a friend of education, with or without football seats.

Q: GWCC? Eh? What do they need?

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