Via: WRAL

North Carolina’s governor has signed into law a measure that aims to improve public trust in state government.

The legislation that Gov. Bev Perdue signed Monday is the latest response to a series of corruption and campaign finance investigations over the past decade that have rocked the Democrats who control state government.

The legislation toughens penalties for illegal campaign donations above $10,000 and expands personnel information that must be released to the public about state employees.

Critics say lawmakers left something out of the 29-page bill – an end to pay-to-play politics, where contractors trying to get work with the state can give money to politicians.

“They’re really reluctant to do anything that affects their own fund-raising,” political watchdog Joe Sinsheimer said.

An earlier spate of scandals produced dramatic ethics and lobbying changes in 2006.