Freebies available to Pennsylvania legislators range from movie and football tickets to ski-lift passes - all courtesy of grateful lobbyists

Philadephia Inquirer

Fed up with paying $9 for a movie ticket?

Run for the state legislature. Win, and you'll get in to the movies free.

Same goes for the circus, golfing and Penn State football. There's even a wallet card that might, someday, get that state trooper to look the other way.

In the little-known but deeply seeded world of legislative freebies, there's something for everyone, thanks to special interests that want to be remembered when they need a favor.

For outdoors types, there's unlimited skiing.

Last winter, about 75 House and Senate members collected 280 VIP season passes for themselves, their families or staff, courtesy of the Pennsylvania Ski Areas Association.

Available for the asking, the passes have a value of $600 each. They're good for free lift tickets at any of the 22 participating resorts in the state.

Rep. David Levdansky (D., Allegheny) took up the trade group's offer last winter, getting three for himself and his two sons.

Being a public official has benefits you can't get anywhere else.