Chicago to Become First City to Demand Ethics Training of Lobbyists

Powerful Chicago Alderman Burke has news for lobbyists:

Chicago would become the first city in the nation to require lobbyists to participate in annual ethics training under an ordinance introduced today by Alderman Edward M. Burke (14th).a

The proposed legislation also seeks to raise the annual registration fees paid by lobbyists to cover the costs associated with city-sponsored ethics education programs. And the proposal would raise penalties for lobbyists who violate the city code.

Figures maintained by the Chicago Board of Ethics show that there are approximately 600 registered lobbyists who do business on behalf of 1,150 clients with the City.

Currently, lobbyists are required to register with the Chicago Board of Ethics by filing a Statement of Registration within five business days of engaging in lobbying activity and to file annually.

"Lobbyists work to influence the legislative process and should therefore be knowledgeable and in compliance with the rules and laws of the City of Chicago, specifically the Government Ethics Ordinance," a preamble to the proposal stated.

Under the new measure, lobbyists would be required to complete an annual ethics education training course and would see an increase in fines and fees.

The annual registration fee would rise by $150 -- from $200 to $350. Additionally, lobbyists would be required to pay an additional $75 "for each additional client after the first client."

Would the ordinance apply to Alderman Burke himself and all those clients that he represents?