Lobbyists

Liberty Election Reform & Political Integrity
1

No one in any political position should be able to take money from any lobbyists. They should not be allowed to profit from a company to put something into law or not

13 Likes
2

Congress member should also not be able to BE a lobbyist once they get out of office.

3

I recall Trump Putting a 5 year ban on government officials upon leaving government service . Not sure if it happened…. https://images.app.goo.gl/f51TkHFyJHEYMAqf6

4

Yes

5

Policy Outline for an Outright Ban on Lobbyists

  1. Objective:
  • Eliminate lobbying activities to curb corruption, restore equal representation, and prioritize public interest in policymaking.
  1. Policy Rationale:
  • Curb Corruption and Influence Peddling:
    • Prevent “pay-to-play” systems where politicians feel indebted to major donors and lobbyists.
  • Promote Equal Representation:
    • Restore balance in influence by eliminating the outsized power of wealthy interest groups and corporations.
  • Ensure Policy Integrity:
    • Reduce the creation of policies that favor industries over public health, environmental sustainability, and overall societal welfare.
  • Close the Revolving Door:
    • Prevent former officials from lobbying for industries they once regulated, minimizing conflicts of interest.
  • Optimize Public Resources:
    • Reduce administrative burden on lawmakers and focus resources on public interest-based engagement.
  • Encourage Grassroots Engagement:
    • Motivate corporations and organizations to engage directly with the public, fostering transparency and grassroots support.
  1. Policy Scope:
  • Ban on All Forms of Lobbying:
    • Prohibit any financial contributions, gifts, or other forms of influence from private interest groups to lawmakers.
  • Restrictions on Post-Government Employment:
    • Prevent former government officials from transitioning directly into lobbying roles for private entities or interest groups.
  • Increased Transparency in Policy Consultations:
    • Establish mandatory public reporting and citizen input channels for policy discussions to replace lobbyist input.
  1. Implementation Mechanism:
  • Legal Framework for Enforcement:
    • Establish strict penalties for any violations, including fines and potential criminal charges for both parties involved.
  • Independent Oversight Body:
    • Create an independent body to monitor and enforce compliance with the ban on lobbying activities.
  • Public Reporting Requirements:
    • Mandate full disclosure of any meetings, consultations, or influence attempts by corporations or interest groups through a public online database.
  1. Expected Outcomes:
  • Increased Public Trust:
    • Foster public trust in government decisions, knowing they are less influenced by private interests.
  • More Equitable Policy Development:
    • Enable policies that reflect the needs of the broader population, rather than select industries.
  • Enhanced Civic Engagement:
    • Encourage organizations to directly engage with citizens, promoting transparency and grassroots involvement.
  1. Review and Adjustment:
  • Periodic Review:
    • Conduct evaluations every two years to assess the policy’s impact and make adjustments as needed.
  • Public Feedback Mechanism:
    • Establish a system for citizens to provide feedback on the effectiveness of the ban and any emerging challenges.
1 Like
6

Been saying this for years. Until money is taken out of government there will always be biases. Until it is taken out of government we should make any politicians/government official that take money from lobbying wear a patch on their suit like the NASCAR driver wear so we know where their alliances are.