NC Coalition for Lobbying & Government Reform
19 W. Hargett Street, Suite 701
Raleigh, NC 27601
919-833-0092
www.nclobbyreform.org

For Immediate Release February 26, 2007

Contact: Louisa Warren Phone: 919-833-0092

Bi-partisan Coalition Anticipating Substantial
Legislative Process Reforms

Raleigh--The NC Coalition for Lobbying & Government Reform applauds legislative leaders in the state House for taking time to thoughtfully consider reforms needed to improve the legislative process.

“We remain hopeful that lawmakers discard the old rules unhealthy for our democracy in favor of a more open and accountable process” said Louisa Warren, Coalition director. “Citizens of our state are expecting their elected officials to make better choices in response to the current scandals.”

For the past two years, the Coalition has called for substantial rules changes to create more openness, accountability, and integrity on Jones Street. Changes are needed in how business is conducted in committees, lawmakers’ offices, and on the House floor.

The House can take a step towards restoring public trust in the coming days by adopting permanent rules that guarantee fairness and due process. The Coalition’s menu of reforms includes:
• Term limits for House and Senate leadership
• Ban on special provisions
• Sunshine on special appropriations
• Ample time to consider the budget before it heads to a vote
• Ban on committee floaters
• Ban on blank bills
• Provide complete public access to all meetings.

“There is a real opportunity here for the House to take a substantial step towards improving the process and public confidence,” remarked Louisa Warren, Director of the NC Coalition for Lobbying & Government Reform. “We have high hopes that the House leadership will adopt permanent rules that promote the values that democracy is founded upon—transparency, openness, and accountability.”

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