Reform Bills Close To Final Approval

Pittsburgh City Council is expected to approve five reform bills on Tuesday, May 5Th. The bills focus on campaign finance reform, no-bid contracts, lobbyist registration, new rules on gifts given to those in public office, and on-line records of all campaign contributions.

The campaign finance reform bill that was preliminarily approved has limits much lower than approved by city council last year and lower than the levels proposed by Mayor Luke Ravenstahl earlier this year. The new limits are $1,000 for individuals who donate to City Council candidates and $2,000 political action campaigns. Those numbers double for anyone who is running for Mayor of City Controller.

The bills still have to receive final approval but Councilman Bill Peduto does not see anything that will stand in the way of the legislation's success. The bills, if passed on Tuesday, May 5Th, will require action by the Mayor, either veto or approval, before the democratic mayoral primary election.