Wouldn’t you like to know what kind of perkity financial perks your state’s judges put in their pockets? 👀💸 Well, the good news is that you can get that information. The bad news? It’s not easy to find. 🕵️
Most state officials in PA have their disclosures posted online for the public to browse through. But if you want to see the judicial disclosures, prepare to go on a journey. 🛣️
Here’s Five Fast Facts on PA judges’ disclosures:
- 💰 Show Me the Money - In PA, by May 1st each year, state government officials are required to complete reports that disclose sources of income, business interests, creditors, and gifts and perks they accepted. These forms show the public the financial ties of their elected officials, which could influence how they do their jobs.
- 🗂️ Sweeten the Deal - Elected state officials file these forms with the state Ethics Commission. PA municipal officials file forms in their local jurisdiction. Once the forms are filed, they’re made available for the public to review online. According to last year’s data, 11,693 forms were filed.
- 🚪 Behind Closed Doors - However, PA judges don’t follow this same process. Instead, they file their annual disclosures to the AOPC, which is an administrative department within the state Supreme Court. Although they disclose the same information as other state officials, they aren’t posted online. The public can access them, but they have to ask for copies. Spoiler alert: where to go and who to ask gets confusing.
- 🧱 Tear Down That Wall - Critics of the process say it creates a barrier for anyone who wants to access information about PA judges. With how much power the branch has over the state, the public should have easy access to what these officials are up to. When there’s a lack of transparency, it puts out a negative vibe.
- 🤷 Wishy Washy - In an analysis of how other states’ judges disclose their financial interests, PA got a middle of the road grade when it comes to public access. Data shows that 24 out of 48 states that require judicial disclosures don’t post the reports online.
🔥Bottom line: Want to get your hands on the PA judicial disclosures? Check out this article, which also outlines the process in other states. Bonus fun fact: Idaho and Utah are the only two states that don’t require judicial disclosures. What kind of funny business is lurking in those shadows, hmmm? Hopefully a whole bunch of nothing, but we won’t keep our hopes up.
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