San Jose leaders want higher limit for gifts - San Jose Spotlight

"San Jose elected leaders are set to raise how much they can accept in gifts from business and labor interests, arguing it will save taxpayers money. The City Council on Tuesday will decide whether to raise its gift limits from $50 to $200, which equates to a higher number of free meals or tickets they can receive at networking luncheons, business conferences and nonprofit celebrations. The item is on the consent agenda, meaning it will be approved without discussion - unless an official pulls it to discuss with colleagues."

"Councilmembers argue the current limits force them to pay out of their taxpayer-funded council office budgets, as the cumulative value of ticketed events they attend can exceed $50. "Many of us attend the Chamber of Commerce barbecue. The South Bay Labor Council holds an annual event," Councilmember David Cohen told San José Spotlight. "It makes a lot of sense for us to attend events like that, but it doesn't make sense to use taxpayer dollars to go to these events, which we could be spending on other things in the community.""

"Sean McMorris, a leading political transparency expert with California Common Cause, said the proposed $200 ceiling is not unreasonable. But he questions the urgency of using public funds for networking events. "Elected government officials do not have to use taxpayer money to attend business luncheons, nonprofit celebrations and other networking events," McMorris told San José Spotlight. "They could pay to attend such events out of their own pocket, and if the purpose for attending is related to campaigning, then they may be able to use campaign funds.""

San Jose City Council will consider raising gift limits from $50 to $200, allowing councilmembers to accept more free meals and tickets from business and labor interests. The proposed increase aims to prevent councilmembers from using taxpayer-funded council office budgets when cumulative event values exceed $50. The item is on the consent agenda and could be approved without discussion. Councilmembers say attending Chamber of Commerce and labor events is appropriate but should not be paid from taxpayer dollars. A transparency expert said $200 is not unreasonable but questioned using public funds for networking, suggesting officials pay personally or use campaign funds. The $50 limit has been in place since 2004.

Read at San Jose Spotlight