Senate votes to ban personal spending of campaign money
The Senate on Wednesday unanimously approved campaign-finance and elections reform that includes prohibition of politicians using campaign money for personal expenses such as cars, apartments and clothes.
“It’s really common sense,” said Senate Elections Chairwoman Sally Doty, R-Brookhaven. “The question you ask yourself is, ‘Is this a campaign-related expense, or an expense related to holding office?’ If the answer is yes, you’re fine. If it’s no, then you shouldn’t do it.”…
…Sen. Chris McDaniel, R-Ellisville, who earlier in the session attempted to add reform nearly identical to that the Senate passed Wednesday, said the House is just stalling and it should approve the reform, not study it.
“We can give $600 million in tax dollars to a tire company in just two hours’ time with no deliberation.” McDaniel said. “We need to do this, without wasting time to study what is obviously an improper practice … (Media) has clearly shown what the problems are. This wouldn’t even be being discussed if it weren’t for what you guys have done.”
ClarionLedger
3/30/16
Magnolia Tribune
