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As Pennsylvanians, we believe our state government owes the public certain assurances -- that their interests are carefully contemplated, that the state's government is responsive to their needs and that officials and authorities treat them as equal constituents in determining what changes in approach or direction the state should undertake.
A Spotlight PA article in last Wednesday's Sun-Gazette noted that dozens of former lawmakers have registered as lobbyists in Harrisburg.
Critics of the practice, the article notes, say it incentivizes lawmakers to ingratiate themselves with the industries and interests that the state often has to regulate, with the purported purpose of regulation and oversight being to protect consumers and workers. As the critics observe, this invites concerns that lawmakers take it too easy on potential future employers.
The former lawmakers who defend the practice note that petitioning the government is clearly protected under the First Amendment. While we are adamant in our support for the Bill of Rights, we must note the First Amendment never guaranteed that former lawmakers have any inherent right to cash in on the access voters had entrusted to them.
While we have reservations that any kind of ban might be an excessive response, we hope lawmakers will recognize how corrosive this practice is becoming and consider more nuanced limitations and stronger oversight on this revolving door.