Lobbyists' payments for gifts criticized

DallasNews.com | News for Dallas, Texas | Texas Legislature: "A Democratic House committee chairman was criticized by consumer groups Friday for letting lobbyists pay directly for expensive end-of-session gifts that many have traditionally bought with their own accounts.

'It's become very apparent this session how blatant they've gotten with figuring out ways to circumvent the whole idea of putting some limits on what lobbyists can do in terms of wining and dining,' said Suzy Woodford of Common Cause, a lobby watchdog and consumer group. 'It seems that it at least violates the spirit of the ethics laws.'

Rep. Kino Flores, D-Mission, chairman of the House Licensing and Administrative Procedures Committee, gave gold rings with the legislative insignia to the eight members of his committee Thursday to express appreciation for their work.

The rings were paid for by lobbyists and contributors who had asked early in the session if they could contribute to the gifts, he said. Some of the lobbyists had issues before Mr. Flores' committee, and some did not."

Sorry, but I don't like Dems being in the thrall of the lobbyists any more than when it's the GOP.