Subscribe
Jobs
Cars
Real Estate
Apts
Classifieds
Shop
Former state Sen. Robert Meeks could always be counted on to remind his colleagues that “there is no money.” That’s why it’s disappointing to see the former State Budget Committee chairman join the legions of former lawmakers working as lobbyists, where the primary objective is often to secure a share of the money.
Given his blunt, no-holds-barred demeanor, it’s not hard to imagine the former state trooper telling his clients they are wasting their time trying to get money out of a state budget with none to spare. But lobbyists are sometimes employed to block worthwhile legislation because it might add to a company’s cost of doing business or affect the competitive edge they currently enjoy.
In those cases, the intervention of a former colleague who as recently as the last session held immense influence would be invaluable.
Lawmakers insist that a phone call or personally written letter from a constituent carries more influence than any appeals from lobbyists. But the sheer number of individuals advocating on behalf of various businesses and interest groups and the amount of money spent to entertain legislators are proof that access to power pays. Which call will a lawmaker answer first – John Q. Public’s or a former House speaker’s?
Senate Bill 15, sponsored by Sen. Patricia Miller, R-Indianapolis, would ensure that the influence of former lawmakers would at least be tempered. It would establish a one-year limit before a legislator could lobby before the General Assembly.
Its chances for passage, sadly, are poor. It’s been assigned to the Rules Committee, where legislation frequently goes to die.
Meeks, a LaGrange Republican, joined Boyle & Associates within weeks of stepping down from his powerful Senate post. The firm is directed by a close associate of former Senate President Pro Tem Robert Garton.
Meeks has always demonstrated great integrity as a public servant, and this page doesn’t doubt that he would continue to do the same as lobbyist. The lobby registration form he filed discloses multiple issues he might be lobbying on, including the budget, economic development, property taxes and alcoholic beverages. In the 2008 session, his new employer lobbied on behalf of Indiana Public Broadcasting, Harrah’s and Central Indiana Ethanol.
Meeks joined an ever-growing collection of lawmakers-turned-lobbyists: John Gregg, Thomas Fruechtenicht, Matt Whetstone, Michael Smith, Mike Phillips, Sam Turpin, Pat Kiely, Robert Kuzman and Paul Mannweiler, among others.
“Again, it’s just one more reason to do something this year,” said Julia Vaughn, policy director for Indiana Common Cause.
There’s at least some hope that Miller’s bill and other ethics measures are gaining strength. Increasing numbers of newer members are signing on in support. Vaughn said it would be a tremendous boost if Senate President Pro Tem David Long, R-Fort Wayne, backed the legislation.
It would still face opposition from House leadership.
Those who will be most marketable as lobbyists are the last holdouts. And in the end, it will likely require the insistence of John Q. Public for the General Assembly to hold itself to a higher standard.
