Senate To Ban Non-Profits For Members And More On Veon

In response to the charges against Vince Fumo as well as some other practices occuring in the Pennsylvania legislature, the Senate plans to ban their members from "from establishing, incorporating or directing the operation of a nonprofit organization or other entity whose primary purpose is to receive state funds."

Jan Murphy of the Patriot News is running the story on Pennlive.com.

Senate Majority Leader Dominic Pileggi, R-Delaware County, and Sen. Elder Vogel, R- Beaver County, today announced their intention to introduce a new Senate rule that would restrict senators and Senate employees from establishing, incorporating or directing the operation of a nonprofit organization or other entity whose primary purpose is to receive state funds.

The House put a similar rule in place in 2007.

"We must do everything we can to prevent the kind of wrongdoing alleged by the grand jury," Pileggi said. "In light of Wednesday's announcement by the Attorney General, it is clear that a Senate rule should be in place."

"This last election, my constituents voted for the restoration of character and integrity in the halls of our state Capitol," Vogel said. "This new rule will be yet another step forward in changing the culture of Harrisburg."

Pileggi and Vogel said they expect to introduce the measure in early April.

Closing the barn door after the horse has been let out. Speaking of Veon you have to give the guy credit. He has a set of cajoles.



The Post-Gazette and Tom Barnes are reporting that "Veon's lawyer goes on offensive against Corbett."

Veon's attorney, Joel Sansone, labeled Corbett's investigation Partisongate, not Bonusgate.

"We will prove that this indictment is nothing more than a political assassination," said Mr. Sansone, who is replacing defense lawyer Robert Del Greco. Mr. Sansone also is bringing in a criminal lawyer from Phoenix, Ariz., Dan Raynak, as co-counsel.

Mr. Sansone assailed the attorney general's two-year investigation of Mr. Veon and other Democratic House members and staffers, calling it "amateurish," "shoddy" and "politically motivated."

"Mike Veon was tirelessly devoted to the needs of the people of this state," Mr. Sansone said. "He served his district honestly and faithfully. He worked for better employment opportunities, education and health care."

I am particularly found of this quote- But Mr. Sansone said he thinks it's all part of one overall politically motivated investigation. "This week's indictment is nothing new. It's just more headline-grabbing" by Mr. Corbett, he contended.

Hmmm...and Attorney Sansone, what would you call your display of disaffection?

If you want to read the new grand jury presentment related to BIG, the non-rofit click here. If you want to read last year's grand jury presentment click here.

(A person charged with a crime is presumed innocent until proven guilty.)