1. United States
2. Md.
3. Letter

Ban Politicians from Profiting Off Public Service Pass legislation that prohibits elected officials from personally profiting while in office. Stock trading, sweetheart deals, and pay-to-play corruption are not side effects of public service — they are a betrayal of it. The people you represent sent you to govern, not to get rich. The Georgia GOP corruption story is just the latest reminder that this problem is systemic. When officials use their positions to enrich themselves, every policy decision becomes suspect. Constituents deserve to know that votes are cast on the merits, not on what's good for a portfolio or a donor relationship. Support a comprehensive ban on stock trading by elected officials, mandatory divestment of financial conflicts, and real penalties for violations. Transparency requirements alone are not enough — there have to be consequences. This is a basic standard of integrity that the public has every right to demand.