The lobbying reform initiative known as Amendment 41 was approved by Colorado voters in a Nov. 7 landslide. Among its provisions was a measure prohibits state officials from accepting money and gifts from lobbyists. Another prohibits elected officeholders from “lobbying certain elected state officials for pay for two years after leaving office.”
This “revolving door” restriction is a fixture of ethics measures in Washington and across the country.
With 41 going into effect by Jan. 1, one consequence has been a parade (OK, a small parade) of retiring state lawmakers who are resigning their seats a few weeks early to avoid getting caught in the revolving-door provision.
So far, nine lawmakers have called it quits before their terms officially end in early January.
We’re hard put to complain. The law will mark a welcome change as it affects the incoming legislature, but in the meantime the retirees are free to avoid it. The impact of their early departures will be zero. This is the quietest time of year. The General Assembly is not in session. Only the Joint Budget Committee is holding regular meetings this month, and none of the quitters are on the panel.
As we bid these nine lawmakers adieu, we see their departure as affirmation of the problems voters are anxious to solve. Over the years, lobbying has drawn many ex-lawmakers who have learned the legislative arts from the inside and see it as a natural career opportunity. Current lawmakers, who meet for 120 days a year, earn an annual salary of just $30,000. Lobbying can net them substantially more.
Amendment 41 takes effect whenever Gov. Bill Owens certifies the November election results. He has until the end of the year to certify those results.
Normally, outgoing legislators hold their titles until the next crop of lawmakers is sworn in. For the upcoming term, it’s scheduled for Jan. 10.
The revolving-door provision will diminish the temptation for legislators to vote for or against a bill based on the potential for future employment. Enforcing the two-year rule should ensure that policy decisions are based on what is best for constituents.
Sens. Ron Teck and Dan Grossman were among the first to resign. Sen. Kiki Traylor also exited early, as did Sen. Jim Dyer, upon his election to the Arapahoe County Commission. Reps. Joe Stengel, Bob McCluskey, Lauri Clapp, Mark Cloer and Fran Coleman have bid farewell. We don’t know which, if any, among them will go immediately into lobbying work, but let them be the last.
