More light needs to shine on the governmental process and we are starting to see some state lawmakers embrace that notion.

Earlier this week, N.C. Sen. Phil Berger filed a bill that would make ethics complaints and investigation hearings open to the public, as well as prohibit lobbyists from soliciting campaign contributions on behalf of legislators.

Berger said recent scandals involving former state Sen. and U.S. Rep. Frank Ballance, as well as the scandal surrounding former House Speaker Jim Black, hammer home the idea that more scrutiny needs to be on the government’s business.

"Open government is honest government," said Berger, minority leader in the Senate.

Berger’s bill is something that groups calling for ethics reform, like the N.C. Coalition for Lobbying and Government Reform, have been demanding. (more…)