Sarah Butson

Key discussion points included the progress on financial disclosure forms, noting efforts to address concerns regarding online data security and statutory disclosure requirements. In legislative matters, the Commission plans to advocate for converting the VBA position to a Governor-appointed role and is seeking an additional $300,000 in funding for two new staffing positions. The Executive Director is following up on Senator Welch's office participation in the Speaker Series. Furthermore, the Commission expressed concern regarding the lack of specific data in the Judicial Conduct Board's annual report and agreed that a letter regarding complaint reporting should be issued on behalf of all members. The meeting included an Executive Session to discuss complaints and guidance requests.

The meeting included discussion of financial disclosures, with updates on the 2026 online forms to include new requirements from Act 171, expanding to county officials. The Executive Director reported ongoing efforts to organize a fall speaker series. An executive session was held to discuss complaints and guidance requests. There was also a discussion regarding the budget request for FY27, with no new information available pending the Governor's proposed budget release.

The meeting included discussions on the FY27 budget request, which represents a 10% increase over last year due to health insurance costs and maintenance of the online system for financial disclosures and municipal ethics training. There was also a report on the ongoing efforts to identify speakers for the ethics speaker series. The commission members voted to go into Executive Session to discuss complaints and guidance requests received since the last meeting. A commissioner reported on a positive experience speaking at the International Visitor Exchange program, and there was a discussion about drafting a letter to the Governor regarding the need for more funding for the Ethics Commission.

The Commission discussed the FY2027 budget, emphasizing the need for additional staff and the reasons for a 10% increase in the budget request. The commission also discussed the Fall Speaker Series, including potential speakers and setting a firm deadline for confirmations. Legislative updates included a proposal to ask the legislature to convert one of the Commission's appointments to a Governor's appointment. The members voted to go into Executive Session to discuss complaints and guidance requests received since the last meeting. The commission voted to approve sending Chair Erlbaum's budget letter, with revisions, to the Governor's office.

The meeting included discussions on municipal ethics, with concerns raised about potential legislative rollbacks and the importance of adequate staffing to support municipalities. A proposal for an ethics speaker series was discussed to increase public engagement. The commission also convened in an executive session to discuss complaints, guidance requests, and an advisory opinion request. Additionally, they voted to approve A0_7_2025 pending clarification on certain points.