'A cloud over the entire State House:' South Carolina ethics reform back in the spotlight
A handful of S.C. lawmakers have found themselves before a judge on corruption charges this year – a sign the state’s ethics laws are working, some state legislators say.
But those laws must be strengthened, those same legislators say, to restore public confidence in the State House after the indictments of six former and current lawmakers, plus a powerful GOP consultant.
“Sunshine is the best disinfectant” for a state that once was given a D- for transparency and accountability in government, S.C. House Majority Leader Gary Simrill, R-York, said Friday.
Some legislators are eager to return to the State House in January to address gaps they say exist in the state’s ethics laws. At least two 2018 gubernatorial candidates also have pledged to make ethics reform a campaign issue.
Read more here: http://www.thestate.com/news/politics-government/article181364676.html