Integrity Florida, a government watchdog group calling for more transparency in state government, released its corruption risk report, detailing gifts given to politicians.
The report exposes gifts given to lawmakers during the first six months of the year.
“We’ve posted gifts, more than $100,000 worth of gifts public officials have received this year," said Integrity Florida Director Dan Krassner.
The gifts are all legal because they aren't from lobbyists.
Gifts in the report include a neighbor mowing the lawn of Rep. Larry Metz while he was in Tallahassee for session, costing $200. Another was Rep. Richard Corcoran receiving $850 worth of cigars, all from other lawmakers.
“Legislators especially are still receiving gifts despite the gift ban and I think you have to look at it on a case by case basis," said Ben Wilcox with Integrity Florida.
The report also highlights increases in the net worth of elected leaders. In total, Florida’s 40 senators have seen their net worth grow by $35 million since they took office. Krassner said it doesn’t necessarily mean they’re doing anything wrong.
“There’s nothing wrong with people making money but if they’re making more money because of their public job, their government job we need to hold them accountable for that," said Krassner
While the government watchdog group stops short of calling out lawmakers by name, they say with stronger state transparency laws, it would be apparent who’s taking advantage of their office.
The report also called out 11 state lawmakers who work for firms that lobby. It’s legal, but Integrity Florida is asking them to post online what causes their employers lobby for.

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