Lawmakers overseas, out-of-state, expense-paid trips common

PROVIDENCE, R.I. – While Rhode Island’s lieutenant governor is under investigation by the state Ethics Commission for failing to disclose a trip he took to Taiwan last year, the practice of politicians taking out-of-state trips with outside groups paying expenses is fairly common.

The Providence Journal reports that lawmakers last year went on expense-paid trips to Taiwan, Greece, Colombia, Portugal, Egypt, Israel and the Palestinian territories. Some went to conventions and conferences in Hawaii, Virginia, Texas and California.

The trips are included in financial-disclosure filings with the Rhode Island Ethics Commission.

John Marion, executive director of government watchdog group Common Cause, says meeting with colleagues from other states and learning about innovative public policies is important, he cautioned about “shadow lobbying,” or trips underwritten indirectly by groups with interests before the legislature.

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Information from: The Providence Journal, http://www.providencejournal.com