HARRISBURG – Attorney General Tom Corbett offered the following testimony to the Independent Regulatory Review Commission (IRRC) concerning proposed Lobbying Disclosure Regulations for Pennsylvania.
In a highly unusual move, Corbett appeared personally before the IRRC because of his concern about stall and delay tactics by various organizations opposed to lobbying disclosure.
Corbett, whose office has worked on lobbying disclosure for more than two years, said that this is the second time IRRC will consider the regulations. He noted that Pennsylvania is the only state that does not have a lobbying disclosure law.
The following is the text of Corbett’s comments to the commission:
As the Commonwealth’s chief law enforcement officer, it is my responsibility to assist in the reform of Pennsylvania’s lobbying laws by requiring more specific disclosure of lobbying expenditures.
Pennsylvanians deserve a clear accounting of how lobbyists spend money. The proposal you have before you today is the culmination of two years of work by members of the lobbying disclosure committee, to provide a system of registration, reporting and compliance.
As you are aware, this process has been open, transparent and inclusive. Every individual, whether a lawyer, lobbyist or interested citizen has had the opportunity to observe, comment and participate, not only on the substance of the regulations, but on the process itself.We went to great lengths to encourage participation, whether it be in-person, via correspondence or by simply sending an email.
Thus, it is disheartening that the Pennsylvania Bar Association comes before you today with last minute technical suggestions designed to derail our efforts to implement lobbying reform. If their attempts are successful, we will maintain our infamous distinction as the only state without lobbying reform.
Throughout the past year years, we have listened closely to the concerns expressed, and have made every effort to incorporate changes to address those concerns.
Since we last appeared before you in November 2008, we have once again listened to the concerns expressed, and resolved the issue in a fair and appropriate manner. As chair of the committee, I respectfully submit this final regulation for your review, and I urge you to grant your approval in the true spirit of reform.