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Rep. Richard Corcoran
News Release
Speaker-designate, Richard Corcoran, proposes bold and transformative ethics and lobbying reforms
Unprecedented level of openness and transparency – from the budget process to lobbying – proposed in the Florida House
Tallahassee, FL – Speaker-designate of the Florida House Richard Corcoran released the following statement upon introduction of the 2016 – 2018 proposed House Rules.
“It is time that government embodies the very highest of standards and serve citizens and not self. The Florida House, in adopting these rules, will take a transformational leap into a new era of accountability, professionalism, transparency, and fairness. There is something here impacting every player within the political process – Members, lobbyists, AND the public. The Florida House will set the standard for others to emulate. And those who cannot live up to the highest ethical and professional standards will find the Florida House a difficult place to work or visit. Now it is time to live out the trust placed in us by the citizens of our great state. I know the House is up to the challenge. House leaders from around the state weighed in to support the new rules proposal.
Representative Jose Oliva, Incoming Rules and Policy Committee Chairman
“When it comes to a state government citizens can be proud of, the Florida House is leading by example. If we are going to hold agencies and programs accountable, we must ensure that our own House is held to even higher standards. I am proud of the proposed changes and of the spirit with which they will be adopted.”
Representative Ray Rodrigues, Incoming Majority Leader
“My constituents are rightfully skeptical of government today. They believe lobbyists have too much power, fundraising is too time consuming, and politicians are more interested in private enrichment than public service. Our hardworking taxpayers feel like outsiders looking in on a process that only benefits politically connected insiders. Our system is broken and now Florida will lead the way in its repair. These rules that bind all of us are a huge leap forward toward restoring trust and confidence in our system. I'm proud of incoming Speaker Corcoran and incoming Chair Oliva and I look forward to sharing this proposal with citizens of my district.”
Representative Chris Sprowls, Tampa Bay
“Transparency – whether in health care pricing or lobbyist disclosures – is a good thing for the taxpayers of Florida. These bold reforms will change the way business is done in the House of Representatives for the better. My neighbors and constituents, and all Floridians, can know that their Representative is not flying on private jets, not being lobbied when they are listening to debate, not slipping millions of dollars into the budget in the dark of night, and so much more. Incoming Speaker Corcoran and incoming Chairman Oliva deserve a ton of credit for offering such a transformative rules package.”
Representative Jim Boyd, Sarasota/Manatee
“These proposed rules, when adopted, will represent a seismic shift in the balance of power in Tallahassee and a return to a more open, accountable, and responsive state government. I am honored to join my colleagues from both sides of the aisle in supporting these changes and look forward to informing my constituents about these reforms.”
Representative Jose Felix Diaz, Miami/Ft. Lauderdale
“In a time when corruption and backroom deals seem to dominate our politics, what we will do with these rules will shake the establishment in Tallahassee and at the same time open up the process to unprecedented scrutiny. I thank incoming Speaker Corcoran for these changes and the spirit in which they were created.”
Representative Jason Brodeur, Central Florida/Orlando
“Today’s proposal strikes at the heart of temptation and corruption, and I’m excited to support it. From online lobbyist disclosures to closing the legislator to lobbyist revolving door, these proposed rules will mean unprecedented openness and accountability. The people of Florida deserve this level of reform, and I hope our friends in the Senate will join us in this endeavor.”
Representative Travis Cummings, Northeast Florida/Jacksonville
“The people of Florida – as well as American citizens across the country – are sick and tired of public servants who neither serve nor personify the values of the public they represent. These new rules are truly monumental and are good for Floridians and quite frankly good for America. The Florida House will show the nation how government should work and what public service truly is. I’m excited and look forward to adopting these as soon as possible.”
Representative Clay Ingram, North Florida/The Panhandle
“We are at a crossroads in America. Will we accept unending breaches of public integrity as the new normal or will we stand and say enough. Well I’m proud that the Florida House, for its part, is choosing the latter. We are saying enough to insider influence and new jobs for legislators that don’t pass the smell test. And we are saying yes to a level of budget and lobbyist transparency unheard of in most states and definitely in Florida. I commend the Speaker and will proudly fight by his side for this new day.”
