The recent events in Washington have made us all aware of the need for campaign finance and lobby reform on a national level. But it may even be more important at the state level as funds and control of many activities affecting our daily lives are transferred from the federal government. The state now has a golden opportunity to provide some of that protection to its citizens as an extremely weak lobbying law expires this year.

Some legislators favor replacing the current weak law with a strong permanent lobbying law that, among other things:

Bans lobbyists' campaign contributions to legislators and the executive branch during session.

During the rest of the year limits lobbyists' contributions to no more than $250.

Expands the definition of lobbying to include advocacy before state agencies.

Includes lobbying of local governments as part of the activities monitored by a Lobby Commission.

Creates a system of campaign finances that's based on public funding.

Closes the "soft money" loopholes at the state level.

Anyone who has seen their milk prices increase by nearly 50 percent during the past year understands the power of lobbyists. If the same fate is not to befall other products and services, it is crucial that a strong permanent lobbying law be passed when the current one expires. It is important in that regard that the public write to the governor and to their senate and assembly representatives to urge them to support this important legislation.

Seymour M. Weinstein