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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 14, 2010
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Sen. Orie Continues Efforts on Government and Gaming Reform 

Continuing her push to close loopholes in the state's gaming law and ensure accountability and transparency in the gaming industry and state government, Sen. Jane Orie (R-Allegheny) is proposing legislation to extend financial ownership and employment restrictions under the gaming law to include court personnel and to strengthen ethics reporting requirements.  Also offered in the proposal will be language to include that the Judicial branch is covered by the reporting requirements of the state Ethics Act. 

Orie has been an outspoken and tireless advocate of legislation that would more tightly regulate the gaming industry and address issues that have surfaced since slots gambling was legalized in Pennsylvania in 2004.   

"With the addition of table games, there is no question that gaming is here to stay in Pennsylvania – so there is even more need to ensure that it is strongly regulated and not subject to fraud, criminal activity and conflicts of interest," Orie said.  "These additional reform measures would provide the strict oversight that is necessary to ensure that those involved in gaming decisions are disclosing the proper information." 

Orie's first bill would amend the Gaming Law to clarify that certain personnel of the Judiciary who are not covered by limitations in the Code of Judicial Conduct be prohibited from owning a financial interest in or being employed by an applicant or licensee.  The prohibition would continue for one year after leaving their position or employment and would cover positions such as master, arbitrator, court administrator or deputy court administrator. 

"At times individuals are appointed to positions as master, arbitrator, court administrator or deputy administrator and have broad authority to issue rulings and make decisions," Orie said.  "They often interact with members of the court at a level that most individuals do not have the opportunity to do so, which is why they should not have a personal stake in any gaming operation." 

Orie's second bill would bring the Judiciary back under the coverage provided by the Ethics Act, solely as it relates to the reporting requirements to the State Ethics Commission. Orie explained that in 1983, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court ruled that the Ethics Law was unconstitutional as it applied to the Judiciary as it encroached on the Constitutional authority of Judiciary, a co-equal branch of government.  Since that initial ruling the Court has also excluded all their employees from the Ethics Act. 

The bill also would require the disclosure of the actual amount of reportable outside income received by all statewide officials and top government employees.  Currently under the Ethics Act an individual is required to report sources of income of $1300 or more – by name only, not the actual amount received.  This proposal would include all Senators and Representatives, the Governor, the Attorney General, the Treasurer, and the Auditor General.   

"This is crucial to restoring public trust in our all branches of government and demonstrating that we are committed to reform," Orie said.  "Openness and accountability are the best ways to ensure that government meets the needs of our citizens."

CONTACT:

Mike Sarfert
(717) 787-6538