In November, Rhode Island voters have the opportunity to restore the Ethics Commission’s authority to investigate and punish ethics violations by members of the General Assembly. Vote YES on 2 for a better Rhode Island.

It’s no secret that Rhode Island is notorious for unethical government — and that hurts all of us. Businesses don’t want to come to a state known for backroom deals and “I know a guy” politics. The truth is that a handful of bad actors — and some outdated laws — are ruining Rhode Island’s reputation for all of us.

This year we have a chance to take a stand and make a change by voting YES on 2. Question 2 puts the “teeth” back in the Ethics Commission by giving them the ability to investigate and fine General Assembly members for unethical behavior.

History

In 1986, Rhode Islanders voted to amend the state constitution and establish an ethics commission that had authority to investigate and sanction all elected officials and public employees for conflicts of interest. However, in 2009 the Rhode Island Supreme Court ruled that an older piece of the constitution prevents the ethics commission from investigating and sanctioning state lawmakers for conflicts involving legislation.

In order for the Ethics Commission to have full oversight over members of the General Assembly, the state constitution has to be changed.

For ethics reform. For our future.