Penn State Intensifies Lobbying Efforts Amid Opaque Disclosure Laws: Who’s Really Pulling the Strings?

State College, Pennsylvania — As Penn State University intensifies its lobbying efforts, questions are arising about the transparency of its activities and the potential implications for state legislation. The lack of comprehensive disclosure laws makes it challenging to ascertain the specific interests and entities that the university is aiming to influence. In recent years, many institutions, including Penn State, have ramped up their lobbying efforts, particularly as funding and policy decisions become increasingly vital. The university’s ascent in these lobbying initiatives has coincided with growing concerns over disclosure practices, raising alarm among watchdog organizations and … Read more

Oregon Union Faces Ethics Complaint: GOP Lawmakers Accuse SEIU of Manipulating Lobbying Tactics

Salem, Oregon — A group of eight Republican lawmakers has raised concerns that a powerful union in Oregon may have violated state lobbying laws during the recent legislative session. The accusations center around the Oregon chapter of the Service Employees International Union (SEIU), which represents over 70,000 workers across the state. Last month, the lawmakers submitted a formal complaint to the Oregon Government Ethics Commission, alleging that SEIU provided misleading information in letters sent to legislators in late April. These letters aimed to garner support for a bill that sought to establish a board responsible … Read more

National Film Awards Jury Chairperson Upholds Integrity, Rejects Lobbying Attempts

New Delhi, India — In a recent disclosure, the chairman of the jury for the National Film Awards stated that the panel faced considerable pressure from various lobbying groups during this year’s selection process. Despite numerous attempts to sway their decisions, the jury successfully adhered to its principles of impartiality and transparency. The chairman, who has not been named, emphasized the integrity and unbiased nature of the jury’s decision-making process, during which they evaluated the cinematic works purely on their artistic merit, creativity, and technical execution, without yielding to external influences. The National Film Awards, … Read more

Verkhovna Rada Takes a Crucial Step Towards EU Membership: Law on Lobbying Approved in Ukraine’s Bid for Transparency and Anti-Corruption

KYIV, Ukraine – The Verkhovna Rada, Ukrainian parliament, has taken a significant step towards meeting the European Commission’s requirements for Ukraine’s bid to join the EU. In a unanimous vote, the draft law on lobbying was approved in its first reading on Wednesday. The legislation aims to establish a legal framework for lobbying in Ukraine and promote transparency while combating corruption. The draft law, which received 309 votes in favor and none against, outlines lobbying rules based on international standards. One of its key provisions is the establishment of the Transparency Register, to be administered … Read more