By Tony McVeigh
Frankfort, KY – Lexington Sen. Kathy Stein wants to toughen Kentucky's legislative ethics code. Legislation she's offering would limit interaction between lobbyists and candidates who have filed to run for election to the General Assembly. The measure would also prohibit lobbyists from purchasing meals or beverages for individual legislators.
"I'm not trying to shackle lobbyists. These are simply - I hate the word tweaks - but this is tweaking what we already have."
Right now, each lobbyist may spend up to 100-dollars per year on food and beverages for each legislator.
"When it comes down to individuals and individual families and candidates, the no cup of coffee' rule complete should be enacted, I believe. We get plenty of chances to eat and drink on the dime of these folks."
Another bill Stein is offering would require vouchers lawmakers file for expenses, to be posted online for public scrutiny. Stein says she's offering the measures in good faith and hopes lawmakers will give them fair consideration.