Closing the financial incentive of government to private sector

Economy
1

  1. Introduction
    Purpose: To reduce conflicts of interest, ensure integrity in policy-making, and prevent corporate capture of former government officials.

  2. Definitions
    Government Worker: Includes both elected officials and non-elected employees at federal, state, and local levels.
    Corporate Capture: The influence or control exerted by corporations over government officials or policies to favor their interests.

  3. Cooling-Off Period
    Duration: Implement a mandatory 5-year cooling-off period during which:
    Government workers cannot accept employment or compensation from any private sector company that was directly affected by policies, regulations, or laws they worked on or oversaw.
    This includes lobbying, consulting, or any form of advisory role.

  4. Scope of Restriction
    Direct Influence: The policy applies to any company or industry sector that the official had regulatory, legislative, or significant advisory impact on.
    Indirect Influence: Consideration for broader policy-making roles where decisions indirectly benefit certain companies or sectors.

  5. Enforcement and Penalties
    Oversight Body: Establish or empower an ethics commission or similar independent body to monitor and enforce this policy.
    Penalties:
    Financial penalties for both the individual and the hiring company.
    Potential legal action leading to imprisonment for severe or repeat violations.
    Revocation of any government contracts or benefits for the violating company.

  6. Transparency and Reporting
    Disclosure: Require detailed public disclosure of post-government employment for all officials covered by this policy.
    Annual Reporting: Former officials must report their employment status annually for the duration of the cooling-off period.

  7. Education and Training
    Mandatory Training: All government workers must undergo training on ethics, conflicts of interest, and this policy upon entering and leaving government service.

  8. Exceptions and Waivers
    Criteria for Waivers: Develop stringent criteria under which a waiver might be granted, ensuring it’s in the public interest and not merely for private gain.
    Public Notification: Any waiver granted must be made public with justifications.

  9. Lobbying Restrictions
    Extend these restrictions to include:
    Prohibiting former officials from lobbying their previous department or agency during the cooling-off period.
    Restrictions on indirect lobbying through third parties.

  10. Implementation
    Legislative Action: This policy would require new legislation or amendments to existing laws at various government levels.
    Transition Period: Allow a transition period for current government workers to adjust to these new regulations.

  11. Review and Amendment
    Periodic Review: Every five years, review the effectiveness of this policy, making adjustments based on observed impacts, compliance rates, and evolving ethical standards.

  12. Public Engagement
    Public Input: Include mechanisms for public feedback on the policy’s effectiveness and any perceived loopholes or issues.

This draft policy aims to foster a government environment where decisions are made in the public interest, free from the undue influence of corporate agendas.

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