Reynolds Praises Ethics Commission Reforms

State Rep. Mike Reynolds praised the Oklahoma Ethics Commission for adopting several major reforms designed to increase public scrutiny of campaign financing.

"By banning PAC-to-PAC transfers, the Ethics Commission has increased the transparency of our campaign financing system," said Reynolds, R-Oklahoma City. "The public has a right to know the identities of the people who bankroll political candidates. But for too long, the rich and powerful have been able to funnel large amounts of cash to their hand-picked candidates without public disclosure thanks to the PAC loophole. The Ethics Commission's decision to ban that practice is a victory for open government and accountability."

In the past, political action committees (or PACS) could contribute money to other PACs without identifying the original sources of the donations. In theory, campaign contributors cannot direct how a PAC will use their contribution, but critics believe that restriction was often violated.

Reynolds also praised the Ethics Commission's decision to limit the amount lobbyists can spend on gifts for legislators to no more than $100 per year. The previous cap was $300 per year.

"Legislators need to avoid even the appearance of
impropriety, but when lobbyists buy expensive
meals or gifts to politicians, it looks too much like
a bribe to working Oklahomans," Reynolds said.
"I'm pleased the commission reduced the amount
lawmakers can legally receive and I hope they
impose greater restrictions in the future."