From The House Media Division ~ Rep. Mike Reynolds has filed legislation to eliminate loopholes that allow state lawmakers to accept high-paying state jobs after leaving the Oklahoma Legislature.
House Bill 2194 would make it illegal for any Oklahoma lawmaker to take a state government job that pays more than the base legislative salary. The ban would be in place for two years after a legislator steps down from his elective position.
“If lawmakers can be good public servants while earning $38,000 in the Oklahoma Legislature, they should be able to do the same thing at the same salary if they want to continue working in state government,” said Reynolds, R-Oklahoma City. “Most importantly, this legislation will end the perception that some legislators have used their political connections to feather their nest with cushy government jobs after they leave elective office.”
Although there is currently a ban on lawmakers taking state jobs for two years after the end of their terms in office, that ban applies only to positions funded directly by legislative appropriations. That loophole has allowed lawmakers to accept jobs paid with federal dollars or fee revenue that is not appropriated.
“I think Oklahoma citizens have made it clear that they do not want legislators to work in state government immediately following the end of their terms in office to reduce the chance of someone selling votes for a job,” Reynolds said. “By ensuring lawmakers can only take positions paying the same as the base legislative salary, we can end the perception of corruption that troubles so many Oklahoma citizens.”
