Rhode Island, known for its history of political scandals, has been making strides towards a more transparent and ethical government. The state has a long history of corruption, with both Republicans and Democrats being involved in extravagant scandals that enriched themselves at the expense of the public. In 1986, voters approved the Ethics Amendment, creating an independent non-partisan ethics commission to prosecute violations by public officials.
Despite initial challenges and opposition from powerful legislators, the Commission has worked diligently to hold public officials accountable. In 2009, the Supreme Court ruled that legislators were immune from prosecution for conflicts of interest, highlighting the need for further reforms. Efforts to close this “Irons loophole” have finally come to fruition this year, with House Speaker Nicholas A. Mattiello and Senate President M. Teresa Paiva Weed introducing a constitutional amendment to restore the Ethics Commission’s jurisdiction over legislators.
Rhode Island’s Ethics Commission has been recognized as the best in the nation, with the state ranking second for open government and anti-corruption laws. These reforms were initiated in response to scandals that rocked the state government in the 1990s. The upcoming Question 2 on the November ballot aims to further strengthen the Commission’s authority and solidify Rhode Island as a national model for ethics and transparency.
H. Philip West Jr., former executive director of Common Cause Rhode Island, underscores the importance of these reforms and the role of voters in shaping a more ethical government. With continued public support, Rhode Island can continue to uphold high standards of integrity and accountability in public office.
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