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For Immediate
Release
1/14/10
Sen. Orie Continues Efforts on Government and
Gaming Reform
Continuing her push to close loopholes in the state's
gaming law and ensure accountability and transparency in the gaming industry and
state government, Sen. Jane Orie (R-Allegheny) is proposing legislation to
extend financial ownership and employment restrictions under the gaming law to
include court personnel and to strengthen ethics reporting requirements. Also
offered in the proposal will be language to include that the Judicial branch is
covered by the reporting requirements of the state Ethics Act.
Orie has been an outspoken and tireless advocate of
legislation that would more tightly regulate the gaming industry and address
issues that have surfaced since slots gambling was legalized in Pennsylvania in
2004.
"With the addition of table games, there is no question
that gaming is here to stay in Pennsylvania – so there is even more need to
ensure that it is strongly regulated and not subject to fraud, criminal activity
and conflicts of interest," Orie said. "These additional reform measures would
provide the strict oversight that is necessary to ensure that those involved in
gaming decisions are disclosing the proper information."
Orie's first bill would amend the Gaming Law to clarify
that certain personnel of the Judiciary who are not covered by limitations in
the Code of Judicial Conduct be prohibited from owning a financial interest in
or being employed by an applicant or licensee. The prohibition would continue
for one year after leaving their position or employment and would cover
positions such as master, arbitrator, court administrator or deputy court
administrator.
"At times individuals are appointed to positions as master,
arbitrator, court administrator or deputy administrator and have broad authority
to issue rulings and make decisions," Orie said. "They often interact with
members of the court at a level that most individuals do not have the
opportunity to do so, which is why they should not have a personal stake in any
gaming operation."
Orie's second bill would bring the Judiciary back under the
coverage provided by the Ethics Act, solely as it relates to the reporting
requirements to the State Ethics Commission. Orie explained that in 1983, the
Pennsylvania Supreme Court ruled that the Ethics Law was unconstitutional as it
applied to the Judiciary as it encroached on the Constitutional authority of
Judiciary, a co-equal branch of government. Since that initial ruling the Court
has also excluded all their employees from the Ethics Act.
The bill also would require the disclosure of the actual
amount of reportable outside income received by all statewide officials and top
government employees. Currently under the Ethics Act an individual is required
to report sources of income of $1300 or more – by name only, not the actual
amount received. This proposal would include all Senators and Representatives,
the Governor, the Attorney General, the Treasurer, and the Auditor General.
"This is crucial to restoring public trust in our all
branches of government and demonstrating that we are committed to reform," Orie
said. "Openness and accountability are the best ways to ensure that government
meets the needs of our citizens."
CONTACT:
Michael A. Sarfert, Esq., Chief Counsel
(717) 787-6538
Additional Information:
Reforming
Government
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