University of Minnesota job for legislator sparks new calls for reform
Political fallout surrounding a Minnesota legislator’s paid fellowship at the University of Minnesota this year has focused new attention at the Capitol on how lawmakers disclose outside employment and avoid potential conflicts of interest.
Rep. Jamie Long, DFL-Minneapolis, resigned from a temporary research position at a university-run energy institute this month after internal documents requested by House Republicans raised questions about preferential treatment in the hiring process, the source of funding for the role and whether the job would conflict with his work at the Capitol.
The controversy sparked an internal review by House leadership and prompted incoming university President Joan Gabel to pledge to address hiring procedures that she acknowledged had undermined a “core value” of the institution.
http://www.startribune.com/u-job-for-legislator-sparks-new-calls-for-reform/561533172/
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