The Deseret News reports that a group of lawmakers, "moderate Republicans and Democrats," are going to push the Legislature to clean up its ethics—things like abusing campaign funds to buy a boat or a new outfit for the spouse — and, of course, raking in gifts from lobbyists.Two proposals are in the works for the 2009 Legislature. But lawmakers have little to fear: The bills are sponsored by moderate Republican Rep. Steve Mascaro, right, and Democratic Sen. Pat Jones.
The last time Mascaro & Jones teamed up it was to push an income tax reform that was repeatedly spindled, sidelined and stomped by Republican leaders led by Majority Leader Curt Bramble — simply because the "Jones-Mascaro Reform" was sponsored by a Democrat and a moderate Republican.
Probably more frightening to GOP leadership is Mascaro's vow to "make public" backroom dealing in House and Senate committees that snuffs bills without much debate:There are some good things that are happening up there (in the Legislature). Not all of us are idiots. I and other (legislators) are tired of it. Our constituents are tired of it. They deserve to have important policy issues heard — but (some) are not getting heard.
2 Comments:
Mascaro's tax "reform" bill wasn't killed because it was supported by a "moderate" Republican and a Democrat.
It was killed because it was a mammoth tax increase of $90 million (depending on the version of the bill). Mascaro pushed this as a tax cut because most Utahns would be getting a tax reduction while upper-income Utahns (the so-called "rich" that make more than $75,000) would be getting hit with tax increases.
When did $75,000 become rich, especially for a two-income family?
Mascaro also said that reducing and/or eliminating deductions were not tax increases. As long as the rate is unchanged, it's not a tax increase even if taxpayers end up sending more of their money to the government. (Of course, INCREASING deductions would be a tax cut, right?)
It was a tax increase being disguised as tax "reform". Fortunately, the Legislature didn't buy it.
Are we talking about the very same Sen Jones who preaches no gifts and then took concert tickets from lobbyists? I'm tired of pompous, cynical legislators like Jones (and Mascaro) who preach ethics, but have none.
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