Today we voted on ethics reform on the house floor. As originally drafted this bill was pretty short and not very descriptive, but once on the house floor the amendments began to fly fast and furious. The first one brought was by Kim McMillan and was much more descriptive. Many people had questions and concerns, not about the theory but more about the wording as is usually the case. Many people wanted to postpone this bill until Monday to digest the info and come back with questions comments and possible adjustments. Frank Buck seemed the most heated. He has been a strong advocate of this type of reform for many years and I am sure he wanted to get it right. Most of the amendments were killed and the bill rolled on. The only one that I am sorry to see did not make it on was the amendment to make these violations a felony. The minimal fine some mentioned was only $50 which seemed like a joke to me, when some people could pocket tens of thousands of dollars I bet they could afford it. Oh well at least it’s a step
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