Interest groups are writing our laws. It surprised me to learn that a Capitol Tracking study of CA bills introduced during the 2011-12 session found that 27% were written by interest groups. Lawmakers simply added their names to them, and thy’re not required to acknowledge who actually wrote the bill. The bills that the governor signed into law during that time–60% were sponsored by interest groups and 30% by legislators. That means that lobbyists–non-elected individuals–are essentially making our laws.
In defense of our elected officials, term limits ensures that most are new to the job. It takes much of their terms of office to learn a little about a lot of issues and a lot about a few issues. Then they’re out of a job and new people take over. They have to depend on someone, then, to advise them. That’s the lobbyist’s task, and we can only hope that our best interest is being put forward along with whatever it is that the lobbyist is promoting.
Are you happy with the laws being proposed and passed? In January,Senator David Vitter (R-LA) introduced a Constitutional amendment to impose term limits on Congress. If you think that all Californians are getting fair treatment and protections under our system, support Vitter’s proposal. If not, let your discomfort with the idea be known to your Congress-member right now.