This afternoon Governor McAuliffe announced the creation of a State Commission dedicated to ethics reform in the Commonwealth. You can read Executive Order 28 here: NUMBER TWENTY EIGHT (2014) ESTABLISHMENT OF THE GOVERNOR’S COMMISSION ON INTEGRITY AND PUBLIC CONFIDENCE IN STATE GOVERNMENT Importance of the Initiative The fundamental strength of Virginia’s government derives from an engaged citizenry and the utmost dedication from its public servants. Ethical and effective governance requires elected and appointed officers to take every appropriate action for the proper use of public resources and transparency in public endeavors. My administration is committed to identifying the highest standards for comprehensive governmental reform. Virginia’s reputation as one of the outstanding states for business depends upon trusted institutions, public confidence in government, and principled leadership in the Commonwealth. To forge an ethos of trust, it is crucial to continually review operational procedures and systems to ensure that the Commonwealth accountability and efficiency. Establishment of the Commission Therefore, by virtue of the authority vested in me as Governor under Article V of the Constitution of Virginia and under the laws of the Commonwealth, including but not limited to §§ 2.2-134 and 2.2-135 of the Code of Virginia, and subject to my continuing and ultimate authority and responsibility, I hereby establish the Governor’s Commission on Integrity and Public Confidence in State Government (“Commission”). Key Reform Issues I am directing the Commission to review and make recommendations for legislation or policies that address the following reform issues: Comprehensive Government Ethics · The benefits of a more independent Ethics Commission for oversight of conflicts of interest matters. · A cap or ban on gifts for legislators, including “intangible” gifts of meals and travel. · Rules regarding personal loans, or any loans other than those from commercial financial institutions at rates available to the general public, to legislators and their family members from personal friends or business associates. · Rules regarding grants, deliberations, or decisions by members of public boards and commissions that could provide a direct financial benefit to such members, members’ family, personal friends, or close business associates. · Rules regarding post-governmental employment and an appropriate waiting period prior to beginning such employment. · Policies regarding lawyer-legislators representing clients before state agencies during their term in office. · Rules related to legislators holding executive branch employment during their term in office. Campaign Finance · Rules related to the amount of contributions to campaigns by individuals, corporations, PACs, lobbyists, and others. · Rules regarding campaign contributions during special sessions of the General Assembly. · Policies on the personal use of candidate campaign funds. · The disclosure of independent expenditures and advertising in support of or opposition to political candidates prior to an election. Disclosure Oversight and Enforcement · Independent investigation and audit of campaign disclosures. · Independent administration and audit of lobbyist disclosure forms. Selection and Service of Judges and Other Public Officials · Procedures for improving the selection of judges and other candidates for public service. Second Consecutive Term for Virginia’s Governor · Frequency of gubernatorial transitions and the impact on providing services to citizens as well as the daily operations of executive branch agencies. Various Other Governmental Reforms · Procedures for legislative and congressional redistricting. · Alterations in the state budget cycle as it relates to gubernatorial terms. The Commission may, at its discretion or the discretion of the Governor, examine other issues consistent with the purposes of this Executive Order. Composition of the Commission Former Congressman Rick Boucher and former Lieutenant Governor Bill Bolling will serve as Co-Chairs of the Commission. The Commission will be comprised of no more than ten (10) members appointed by the Governor and will serve at his pleasure. The Governor may appoint additional persons to the Commission at his discretion. Staff support Staff support as necessary to support the Commission will be furnished by the Office of the Governor, and the Governor may designate further support by any other executive branch agencies. An estimated 300 hours of staff time will be required to support the work of the Commission. The Commission may consult with any experts it deems necessary for the requisite information to provide a full and complete report. Funding needed to support the Commission will be provided by state and other appropriate funds. Direct costs for this Commission are estimated at no more than $15,000. Members of the Commission will serve without compensation, but may receive reimbursement for expenses incurred in the discharge of their official duties. The Commission will meet at least once monthly upon the call of the Co-Chairs beginning in October, 2014. The Commission will present an interim report pertaining to comprehensive government ethics reform to the Governor on or before December 1, 2014. The Commission will also issue other reports and recommendations as it deems necessary or as requested by the Governor. Effective Date of the Executive Order This Executive Order shall be effective upon its signing and, pursuant to §§ 2.2-134 and 2.2-135 of the Code of Virginia, shall remain in force and effect for a year or until superseded or rescinded. Given under my hand and under the Seal of the Commonwealth of Virginia, this 25th day of September, 2014. Terence R. McAuliffe, Governor
Posted on: Thu, 25 Sep 2014 17:30:08 +0000