"I've dedicated my time in public service to keeping state government accountable to the taxpayers. Last year, over seven and a half million dollars were spent to lobby state government. Citizens deserve up-to-date information on who is wielding influence in Columbia," said Sheheen.

Sheheen’s first proposal is to put an immediate end to the all-too-common practice of state agencies using tax dollars to hire lobbyists. The lobbyists then lobby the legislature and governor to send more money to state agencies.

“Practices like state agencies using our tax dollars to hire lobbyists show the skewed priorities that too often rule the day in Columbia,” said Sheheen. “Citizens expect that their tax dollars will be spent improving our public schools and bringing new jobs to our state – not used to pay lobbyists.” 



Sheheen also wants to force lobbyists and their clients to electronically file disclosure forms with the state Ethics Commission. Currently, lobbyists and the special interests they represent have the option of filing electronically or by paper. Paper filings create a delay in the public disclosure process. Sheheen said the change would bring lobbyist filings in line with the requirements lawmakers abide by.

“Public officials and candidates for office are required to file their disclosure reports electronically,” said Sheheen. “In order to ensure that the public can access this information with no delay, special interests and their lobbyists should operate under the same rules.”
 
In addition, Sheheen says there needs to be a requirement for lobbyist and their clients to file electronically within 2 days of a lobbying contract being signed.  According to Sheheen, lawmakers and the public will be able to quickly learn how much special interest groups are spending, especially during the legislative session.

“It is a simple principle: transparency makes for better government. These common-sense proposals will have a huge impact on how the business of governing this state is handled,” said Sheheen. “Lobbyists develop tremendous influence in our government, and   people need to have a better understanding of how that influence is being used. As governor, I look forward to bringing more sunlight into our state government, and continuing to expose and decrease the power of the special interests.”