June 25, 2009
(State House) — Senator Cynthia Stone Creem (D-Newton) voted in support of the ethics reform package to strengthen the political process by reforming lobbying, campaign finance and ethics laws.

“In these difficult economic times, it is of the utmost importance that people have faith in the integrity of their elected representatives,” said Senator Creem. “I am pleased with the comprehensive nature of this bill, particularly with the inclusion of a strong ban on gifts to public officials — which I had urged to be included in the original Senate bill.”

The bill not only bans gifts to public officials, it also increases the authority of the Ethics Commission to investigate and prosecute alleged ethics violations. Lobbyists will work under more strict performance rules, with annual training, detailed reporting and official identification. The bill also increases penalties for accepting a bribe or gratuity as an elected official.   The State Ethics Commission will have enhanced investigatory power to do its work, including enhanced subpoena power, expanded regulatory authority and an increased statute of limitations. The bill also targets reforms to the campaign finance system; gives the Secretary of State subpoena power; expands the revolving door restrictions on lobbying to the executive branch; and gives authority to the Attorney General to regulate and enforce the Opening Meeting Law.