The following press release is from the Democratic Party of Virginia. I'd just add that as horrible as Republicans are on ethics reform, Democratic Senate “leader” Dick Saslaw is no better. In addition to Saslaw being outrageously wrong on the merits, he also hurts the Democrats' messaging more generally on this issue, by undercutting the party's credibility. Yet another reason why Saslaw needs to go!
“Citizens of the Commonwealth of Virginia deserve transparency when it comes to their hard-earned tax dollars,” said Senator Wexton, (D-Loudoun). “I find it incredibly hypocritical that Republicans on the Rules Committee can claim to want true ethics reform yet kill a bill that they had unanimously supported just last year. This bill would not prohibit any legislator from attending any meeting or conference; but, if we’re doing it on the taxpayers’ dime, they should know what’s being discussed.”
Not only do Republicans refuse to allow an ethics commission with teeth, they're backtracking from simple positions held last year and hampering serious attempts at reform.The GOP's flimsy ethics facade is cracking more and more each day.