Financial Disclosure Update

Financial Disclosure Update

Bruce Ludwig, who is handling the Financial Disclosure cases in Commonwealth Court, has reached agreements with the Governor’s Office and the Ethics Commission to stop the filing requirements, under both the Ethics Act and the Code of Conduct, for IMCWs and IMCW Supervisors pending the outcome of the court appeals. These agreements still require court approval.  But based on the agreements, we are advising members in the IMCW and IMCW Supervisor job classes who have not yet submitted Statements of Financial Interests to refrain from doing so until further notice. Members in these classes were required to file financial disclosure information by May 1, 2009 or file an appeal to DPW and then to the Ethics Commission. At this point the Union advises members not to file further appeals. Your rights will be preserved by the action of the agreement between the Union and the Governor’s Office.  IMCWs who have a request pending with the Ethics Commission may receive a notice from it informing you that your appeal is being deferred unless you object.  We recommend that you not object when you get this notice.

This is a temporary stay in the filing and appeals requirement until the Commonwealth Court hears the legal arguments and issues a decision. This in not an agreement on the part of the Governor’s Office or the Ethics Commission that the filing requirement no longer exists. Members will be advised when the Court issues its decision.