ETHICS COMMISSION DISMISSES LAWSON COMPLAINT
The Ethics Commission dismissed the complaint made by the RI GOP regarding State Senator Valerie Lawson’s conflict of interest related to her position as Vice President of the National Education Association Rhode Island.
“We are disappointed by the decision of the Ethics Commission. Senator Lawson is a paid officer of the NEARI. She sponsored, advocated and voted for legislation that was supported by a lobbyist of the NEARI at a hearing of the Senate Labor Committee.” says RI GOP Chair Sue Cienki.
In the past, the Ethics Commission has advised a state legislator “to recuse from any House of Representatives votes, hearings or other legislative matters where his spouse or employer appeared to present testimony, support or opposition.” (A.O. 2015-20) . “
“We believe it is unethical for any state legislator to sponsor, advocate or vote for any legislation supported by a lobbyist of an organization that is paying the legislator. Today, the Ethics Commission decided to send a different to message to Rhode Islanders” concluded Cienki.