The state Ethics Commission today issued an advisory opinion about state official involvement in ballot initiatives. They may spend, but must report, expenditures of more than $500 in public money on “direct advocacy” — a yes or no vote — on ballot measures.

But general office overhead doesn’t count.

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Thus, an employe of Lt. Gov. Bill Halter can join him in traveling the state to talk about the proposed lottery without violating any ethics law and also not be required to file financial disclosure unless there’s an expenditure of more than $500 on direct advocacy.

Sounds right ot me.

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