As the sponsor of a bill that dealt with this very issue, I was very encouraged when the House passed it the first week. Of course there were some who thought it should have gone further, but nonetheless the bill makes major changes for lobbyists and legislators. For instance, if a lobbyist were to offer a legislator a ticket to an event the ticket would have to be disclosed, by the legislator's name, if the purchase is above $5. Included in the bill is also new language to tighten up conflicts of interest for lobbyists.

As important as the media made the bill that first week of the session it would appear that it isn't very important now - to some that is. The lobbyist disclosure bill has been in the Senate's possession for over two weeks and no action has been taken yet. The House felt the legislation was so important we wanted to get it to the Senate early so they could have good debate. So where is all of the debate?

Although the media is one of the groups wishing the bill went farther, they have said that reform on disclosure is still very important. So where is the media today? If the issue was really as important to the public as the media reports it is (and I think it is), I wonder why they have given the Senate a pass on this important issue. I say put your ink where your mouth is and let the Senate know their inaction hasn't gone unnoticed!