Voice

Representative Lee Terry should be careful when choosing his words – especially when they are not his own. The New York Times reported that statements in the official record of the historic House debate on health care reform made by several lawmakers – both Democrats and Republicans – were actually drafted by Washington lobbyists working for Genentech, one of the world’s largest biotechnology companies. According to the report, “it is unusual for so many revisions and extensions to match up word for word. It is even more unusual to find clear evidence that the statements originated with lobbyists.” Terry told the Omaha World Herald that he would avoid picking up lobbyists’ words in the future.

Editor’s note:  It should be noted that Jim Esch, who ran and lost twice to Congressman Terry (and who also was accused of plagiarism during the 2008 election) is a member of the VOICE Steering Committee.

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A recent audit of the University of Nebraska’s $40-million-a-year purchasing program revealed several questionable purchases made with public funds. One notable example was a $15,000 first class airline ticket to China. According to an Omaha World Herald article, many of the problems revealed were related to improper documentation rather than questionable spending, as some flagged purchases were supported by private dollars. The University responded positively, saying that they will use the information to “improve business practices, strengthen internal controls, and reduce risk of fraud and abuse.”

In a report regarding a list of perks given to top University administrators, Jack Gould of Common Cause Nebraska, cited his concern about how private money could potentially influence a public institution, stating that taxpayers have a right to know how not just public, but private dollars are spent by the University. Gould filed an official request under the State of Nebraska’s Open Records Law to view the list.

VOICE commends the University of Nebraska’s aim for transparency in how it spends public funds, and hopes it will maintain that same transparency in its spending of private funds as well.

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