(Gardnerville, NV) – May 23, 2012 – Jim Wheeler, Republican candidate for State Assembly District 39 sent a letter of support to Nevada Assembly Minority Leader Pat Hickey (R). Wheeler endorsed Hickey’s efforts to resurrect the principles of last session’s Senate Bill 206 (SB-206), legislation to ensure year-round expenditure reporting, which died in committee.
If SB-206 had become law, lobbyists would be required to disclose and report the amounts they spend wining and dining legislators throughout the entire year not just while the legislature is in session as is presently required. Wheeler said that there is abundant evidence that lobbyists are entertaining legislators year round, with no oversight, further diluting the voice of The People in Carson City.
Wheeler is a Conservative who supports small government and believes constituents have the right to know the source of funds showered upon legislators. The People of Nevada have an absolute right to clear and complete access about all influences acting on their representatives.
Wheeler pointed out to Leader Hickey that most states already have regulations or laws that demand reporting of lobbying expenditures made in the company of their legislators and that Nevada should join them in full disclosure of these “perks” to legislators.