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 28, 2007

Contact: Louisa Warren Phone: 919-833-0092

New House Rules Are Step Ahead Towards More Openness & Accountability

Raleigh—The NC Coalition for Lobbying & Government Reform has long been advocating changes in the way business is conducted at the N.C. General Assembly. Today, the House took a positive step forward in ensuring that the people’s business is carried out in a manner that is more open and accountable.

House Speaker Joe Hackney unveiled his new rules package this morning at a press conference and the NC Coalition for Lobbying & Government Reform is pleased to see many of its proposed rules changes adopted.

Specifically, the Coalition applauds the House leadership for:
• Banning committee floaters
• Banning blank bills
• Banning same day consideration of legislation
• Limiting special provisions in the budget unless they pertain to appropriations.

“We are impressed that the House leadership stepped forward and took a thoughtful look at the old rules that were unhealthy for our democracy,” said Louisa Warren, Coalition director. “We expect to see more sunshine on the process as a result but still feel some more work remains.”

The House leadership did not choose to address two key changes the Coalition has advocated: term limits for leadership and more openness on appropriations and pet projects. And the Senate has not taken up any of the proposed reforms since they adopted their permanent rules the first day of the legislative session.

Bob Phillips, Executive Director of Common Cause added, “The House should certainly be commended for its actions today but until both chambers take a closer look at limiting the concentration of power that Senate and House leadership hold and shining more light on the appropriations process, we can’t count on full transparency and integrity in the legislative process.”

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