On Aug. 6, a group of legislators dined at Clio, where the soup costs $14 a bowl, desserts are $11 a pop and the cheapest entree sells for $28. And that was just the beginning of the gluttonfest. The next night, a group of some 30 lawmakers hit Locke-Ober, where renowned chef Lydia Shire prepares dishes that most Utahns would be hard-pressed to pronounce. By the time the five-day trip was over, legislators and family members had consumed dozens of breakfasts, lunches and dinners, and it didn't cost them a dime.
In case you're wondering, they weren't spending your money. Lobbyists paid the bills. And that's even worse. Lobbyists put bibs on lawmakers as a way to gain access. They're buying influence and face-time, and legislators are selling.
The free food was revealed in quarterly lobbyist disclosure forms filed with the state lieutenant governor's office last week. In addition to wining and dining, lawmakers were treated to free golf, museum tickets and tours in Boston, proving that the way to a legislator's heart is not always through his stomach. But that's the preferred route.
We'd love to tell you who stepped up to the trough, but that's a dirty little secret. Most of the disclosures come with no names attached due to Utah laws that help lobbyists hide lawmakers who accept handouts. Lobbyists are only required to report the names of recipients of tickets to sporting events, tangible gifts valued at $10 or more, or food and beverage purchases greater than $50.
There's nothing wrong with legislators attending these conferences, by the way. This year's gathering featured speeches by national policy leaders and more than 200 assorted seminars, including one on - now get this - legislative ethics. Chances are, our lawmakers missed that one. They were probably out to lunch.
Folks, if you want your government back - if you want your lawmakers to do your bidding instead of catering to the companies and organizations that hire lobbyists - you'd better start lobbying for a law that makes it illegal for legislators to accept gifts. Because next year, the NCSL summit is slated for Louisiana, where the shrimp is spicy, the Cajuns are cooking, and the lobbyists are ready and willing to pick up the tab.
Lobbyists put bibs on lawmakers as a way to gain access. They're buying influence and face-time, and legislators are selling.
