PHOENIX – Former Arizona fraud and public corruption prosecutor Andrei Cherny today announced a tough and comprehensive ethics reform package to push back special interest influence in Washington, and make members of Congress more accountable to the people.

The Cherny Plan to Put Washington to Work for the People would:

• Mandate the online disclosure of lobbyist meetings,
• Place greater restrictions on gifts from lobbyists,
• Strengthen the Congressional ethics office,
• Toughen penalties for the falsification of financial disclosure documents,
• Prohibit members of Congress from introducing legislation to benefit personal and family businesses,
• Tighten restrictions on the personal use of campaign funds, and
• Stop congressional stock profiteering on insider information.

“Washington works great for those with the campaign cash and the connections – and the special interests who can spend millions to buy armies of lobbyists,” Cherny said.  “Even worse is that some politicians – in both parties – think that’s okay.  The only way we can save the middle class is through real reform that limits the influence of special interest groups, and puts Washington to work for the people again.”

The Washington Post’s recent Capitol Assets investigation shows the significant shortcomings of congressional ethics rules when it comes to prohibiting members of Congress from using their position for personal gain.  Cherny’s plan delivers comprehensive reform to reign in this culture of corruption.

Arizonans know the need for ethics reform all too well.  Last year, the Fiesta Bowl scandal rocked the State Capitol, revealing a culture of corruption and lawmakers all too willing to accept gifts from lobbyists.  This year, two state lawmakers have been the subjects of federal corruption charges

Click here for Cherny’s full plan.