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Senate Makes Lobbyist Disclosure Filings Internet Accessible
HARRISBURG -- The
lobbyist disclosure reports collected by the state Senate since the start of
2003 are now available to the public by way of the Internet, according to
Senator Robert C. Jubelirer, a long-time leader on open government issues.
“People will be able to see
who is lobbying, who individuals are representing, and how they are spending
their money. They will be able to see the number of clients each lobbyist has
and what each lobbyist is spending per client. This is important information
that every Pennsylvanian should have the opportunity to examine,” Jubelirer
said.
“There has been a lot of
public interest in the summaries we released recently. We are now making
available all the information we have received. Our Senate Rule alone cannot
compel a complete picture of lobbying activity, but it does provide substantial
and useful information to our citizens,” he pointed out.
“In addition to giving
Pennsylvanians a clear look at this information, it will provide a basis of
comparison once we succeed in securing a new state law that will apply
disclosure requirements to the activity affecting other parts of state
government,” Jubelirer stated.
He noted the curious refusal
of many of the self-styled leaders of the government reform effort to register.
“They talk a great deal about setting an example, but they seem unwilling to
practice what they preach.”
Jubelirer credited the
long-standing, bipartisan commitment in the Senate toward lobbyist disclosure.
He cited the efforts of the respective floor leaders, Senators Chip Brightbill
and Bob Mellow.
Lobbyists are only required
to report their spending as it affects the Senate, but they are allowed to
report their entire spending. Those who choose complete disclosure should note
that on their spending reports. Some lobbying firms report all their expenses
through one individual, and the other associates then show a zero on their
filings. This is allowable, but the forms should indicate the connection.
The lobbyist disclosure reports will be found
under “Topics of Special Interest” at
www.pasen.gov.
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