Green's Lobbyist/Ethics Proposal

Congressman Mark Green's five year push for an online lobbyist disclosure system may be gaining momentum in the aftermath of the Abramoff DC lobbying scandal.

Green has introduced his “Lobbyists Online” legislation during each Congress since the year 2000. During his tenure in the Wisconsin State Assembly, Green guided the successful passage of a similar measure. His proposal, which is now law in Wisconsin, requires the posting of state lobbying disclosure information on the Internet. The site can be accessed at http://ethics.state.wi.us

The one-of-a-kind Wisconsin program has also earned a series of national honors, being named one of the 25 most significant innovations in American government in 2000 by Harvard University and the Ford Foundation. It also earned the 2002 Public Integrity Award by the Council of State Governments, the American Society for Public Administration, and the Council on Governmental Ethics Laws.

A good idea. For many reasons.