State politicians(Pa)accept trips, meals, tickets!

[Bravo Zulu]

Sen. John Pippy, R-Allegheny, spent more than a week in China and India last summer. The cost of more than $19,000 was picked up by the Aspen Institute Rodel Fellowships in Public Leadership of Washington, D.C.

The Legislative Leadership Institute Academy of Foreign Affairs in Green Bay, Wis., spent $12,293 to send Mr. Pippy for 10 days to Ireland and Switzerland in December.

Reached for comment, Mr. Pippy said he learned about commerce in the nations he visited, and how Pennsylvania businesses can be more competitive globally. He said the trips, similar to others he went on through the groups in 2009, were educational and involved no direct lobbying.

Read more: http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/11124/1143986-100-0.stm#ixzz1LRhz1Y4O

[Mnemosyne]

1. Let me guess, he was huge Phil English admirer. n/t