gift ban | WITF

May 3, 2024 | 9:52 AM

Group that doesn’t disclose its donors paid $12K for Shapiro to attend Phillies games, other sporting events

The secrecy leaves taxpayers in the dark about who underwrites the outings and what interests they may have in state government policy.

By Stephen Caruso/SpotlightPA and Angela Couloumbis/Spotlight PA

February 13, 2024 | 12:43 PM

Josh Shapiro accepted $1,650 in ‘event tickets’ from powerful Pa. lobbyist

The tickets were reported as an in-kind contribution by Gov. Josh Shapiro’s campaign committee, rather than a gift.

By Stephen Caruso/SpotlightPA

February 22, 2023 | 10:48 AM

Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro admin contends Super Bowl tickets didn’t violate gift ban

The ban, enacted by Gov. Josh Shapiro, prevents him from taking pricey tickets from people or groups with “financial relations” with Pennsylvania.

By Kate Huangpu/Spotlight PA and Stephen Caruso/SpotlightPA

Updated: 2022-11-02 13:40:00

The Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra paid $15,000 to take 2 Pa. lawmakers to Europe

The Republican lawmakers’ European excursion is the type of job perk that a gift ban would make impossible for elected officials and others in government, but the legislature has failed to pass one.

By Angela Couloumbis/Spotlight PA

May 31, 2022 | 5:12 AM

Gift ban, other government reforms changes stall in Pennsylvania despite promises from leadership

Government reform advocates argue the legislature, swayed by donors and leadership, lacks the political will to rid itself of the perks of being in elected office.

By Christina Baker/Spotlight PA

June 10, 2021 | 10:28 AM

Activists target top Republican in Pa. Senate as they push for gift ban

Four protesters were arrested and charged with trespassing during the peaceful demonstration at the Capitol.

By Shaniece Holmes Brown/Spotlight PA

June 9, 2021 | 12:54 PM

‘Stop taking bribes,’ protesters urge Pennsylvania lawmakers

Demonstrators from MarchOnHarrisburg unfurled banners on the Capitol steps on Wednesday and chanted “pass the gift ban, stop taking bribes.” MarchOnHarrisburg demonstrators have been arrested several times in the past during protests in lawmakers’ offices and the House chamber.

By The Associated Press

May 21, 2021 | 1:48 PM

State lawmakers report receiving fewer gifts during pandemic as push for ban continues

The few gifts of note came largely before the first cases of COVID-19 were reported in Pennsylvania in early March.

By Angela Couloumbis/Spotlight PA

November 19, 2019 | 10:35 PM

After years of pressure from advocates, state House advances gift ban.

Under current law, lawmakers can accept whatever gifts they want, no matter the cost. For the first time in recent memory, the House may be poised to change that.

By Katie Meyer/WITF

May 27, 2019 | 9:05 AM

Pa. lawmakers report $83K in travel on annual ethics disclosures

By Mark Scolforo/The Associated Press

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