A proposed end to the "revolving door," which allows lawmakers to quickly become lobbyists. As things stand now, most every former state government official must wait a year before becoming a lobbyist. The only exceptions; legislators and members and staff of the state Public Service Commission .
State Senator Julie Lassa and Representative Spencer Black have proposed legislation to bring the legislature and the PSC into line with everybody else. Jay Heck with Common Cause in Wisconsin says the one year cooling off period shouldn't be a burden, and says the measures "would provide the public with a little bit more comfort and confidence, knowing that the people that they elect to office today, aren't going to cash in tomorrow on their contacts in the legislature." Lassa says the bills would prevent lawmakers, PSC commissioners and their top staff from leaving office one day, and turning up as lobbyists the next. Heck notes that Iowa recently put a two year waiting period in place.
