STATEMENT: Sen. Farnese Applauds New Rules of Ethical Conduct

Philadelphia, November 6, 2009 – Sen. Larry Farnese, who campaigned on a platform of reform, is pleased to support new ethics rules for the state Senate.

“When I was elected, I promised to that my office would be open, transparent, and held to the highest ethical standards,” said Sen. Farnese. “I’m proud to cosponsor this new set of guidelines that every senator and staffer will be required to follow.”

Sen. Farnese has already signed on as a supporter of the new rules of ethical conduct, which include:

• No Senate employee may conduct any campaign activity on Senate work time.
• No campaign activity may be conducted in a Senate office or with Senate resources.
• The solicitation or receipt of campaign contributions on Senate work time or with Senate resources is prohibited.
  
• No Senate employee may serve as an officer on a campaign committee or a campaign finance committee on behalf of any Senator or Senate candidate.
• No Senate employee may be required to perform campaign activities or to make campaign contributions.
  
• No Senate employee may be required to perform any non-work-related task.
• Senate mailing lists and email lists may only be used for legislative purposes, and cannot be sold or given to any other entity, including campaigns.
  
• Senate employees who are responsible for taking or recommending official actions are required to file Financial Interest Statements with the Secretary of the Senate.
  
• No Senate-funded newsletter may be sent within 60 days of an election.
  
• Annual training shall be provided to all senators and all Senate employees related to the Senate Rules of Ethical Conduct, the Ethics Act, and the Lobbyist Disclosure Act.

The guidelines also spell out the consequences of any rules violation and how each would be investigated.

“I urge my colleagues in the state Senate to support the new rules, because it is imperative we ensure the public’s trust in us as we conduct the people’s business at the State Capitol and in our districts,” said the senator.

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