Balfour, the Republican chairman of the powerful Rules Committee, is accused of billing the state for mileage while out of town on lobbyist-funded trips. Balfour has said he reimbursed the state for minor mistakes and re-filed the correct paperwork. (Photo Courtesy: Donbalfour.com)
The Senate Ethics Committee ruling that may lead to a settlement.
Balfour, the Republican chairman of the powerful Rules Committee, is accused of billing the state for mileage while out of town on lobbyist-funded trips. Balfour has said he reimbursed the state for minor mistakes and re-filed the correct paperwork.
Balfour issued a statement saying, "I still have not been allowed to go before the committee and defend myself. When I do, I am confident the committee will understand that a senator who gave up thousands of dollars in taxpayer-funded pension benefits had no intention of doing anything wrong in a matter of a few hundred dollars."
Under Senate rules, if public meetings are held, they would be similar to a trial, and Balfour would be allowed to present a defense. The rules give no indication of what a possible settlement would involve in terms of punitive action.
