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Lawmakers in South Dakota are invoking emergency powers to overturn an anti-corruption law that was passed by a ballot measure during the 2016 election.
The South Dakota Government Accountability and Anti-Corruption Act makes it illegal for lawmakers to receive more than a total of $100 annually from lobbyists in the form of “any compensation, reward, employment, gift, honorarium, beverage, meal, food, or other thing of value made or given directly or indirectly.”
The law, which was passed by a majority of voters in November, immediately incited panic among state officials and lawmakers. Some resigned from their posts while others cancelled meetings with any groups represented by lobbyists.
[…]
“In an unprecedented maneuver, state lawmakers are planning to declare a state of emergency so their repeal of the Anti-Corruption Act would take effect immediately, and deny voters their right to another vote on the measure through a veto referendum,” the statement explained. “The bill guts all of the Act’s provisions, including creation of an independent ethics commission, limits on lobbyists gifts to politicians, tougher penalties for bribery, stronger transparency, and a two-year ban on politicians becoming lobbyists when they leave office.”
Represent South Dakota warned that the repeal measure (HB 1069) was so poorly worded that it “may actually legalize bribery.”
Now it’s fake emergencies. Fake, fake, fake, fuck this planet. I want off. Via Raw Story.
Ah, the democracy gameshow. The voter has spoken. Unfortunately what they said wasn’t the correct answer, so they don’t get the luxury cruise, or the dishwasher, or the accountability from their elected representatives. Too bad.
Oh no! Hopefully it can still be fixed it to make bribery mandatory.
Komarov:
That’s what they want. SD has always been a hotbed of rethuglican corruption, but they at least used to pretend otherwise. Guess that’s gone.
It’s all happening so fast, it’s like they were just waiting for the final official stamp of authentication to push all of this through. Fake emergencies? Geez. How will they ever recognize the very real one developing on their own doorsteps?
Oh, right… they won’t. Because $$$.
And, they declared this fake emergency to overturn a *ballot* measure. This is a whole lot more than just fuck the people.
And, they declared this fake emergency to overturn a *ballot* measure.
What’s next, an emergency session to do a pay raise?
Marcus:
Wouldn’t surprise me. You know now they’ve done this, other states are going to follow suit. I can hardly wait to see what’s going to be repealed, state to state.
Caine@#6:
I can hardly wait to see what’s going to be repealed, state to state.
I’m sure they’re all going to legislate term limits!
Those blue states that are left should at least try to draft their own anti-corruption legislation. If decent people ever get back into power, I’m hoping that this sort of policy is enacted nationwide. A huge chunk of the problems in this country can be traced back to politicians accepting corporate money.
There’s no brakes.
I’m now an official state servant. I have to declare and get permission for all gifts above the value of 10€…
Giliell:
Oh no, how will you ever live!?