Lobbyist Lunches and a Clash Over Ethics Rules

The governor has taken aim at the state senator after learning he had not reported more than $4, 900 worth of meals and entertainment given by lobbyists. The money came from files that lobbyists must submit, but the senator’s yearly financial disclosure did not list these gifts. The governor’s spokesperson said whether this is illegal would be decided by the proper authorities, but she also highlighted that the senator’s omission was not an isolated case. The dispute centers on how to handle situations where companies that donate large sums to the governor or her allies later win state contracts. A company that provides homes for foster children gave $400, 000 to the governor’s campaign and then received more state money. The senator had pushed for an investigation into what he called a “pay‑to‑play” system, and he also proposed that any business seeking state work must disclose donations made in the previous five years. The governor rejected this plan last year, saying her own procurement rules were already in line with industry standards.Last month the governor announced a new ethics package that would create searchable databases linking business leaders to their political contributions. The senator argues this approach is too complicated and leaves loopholes, especially for donations to entities not tracked by the secretary of state’s office. He also says the governor’s plan fails to address lobbyist‑funded meals, travel and speeches that lawmakers receive. In response, the governor’s team has accused him of not reporting his own meals and suggested that lawmakers should ban such perks altogether. Both sides claim the other is hiding money. The governor’s office has not answered questions about her own disclosure forms, which show no meals but list travel expenses. The senator insists he has always filed his reports accurately. Meanwhile, the governor’s campaign has faced scrutiny over large donations from a child‑care company and a major utility, which could influence state contracts for foster care services. The conflict has drawn the attention of the attorney general and county attorneys, who have opened investigations but have yet to release findings. House Republicans hired an external lawyer for a probe, and no report has been issued so far. The clash illustrates the broader challenge of ensuring transparency while balancing political fundraising and government contracting.