Mystery surrounds a posh party attended by state lawmakers and lobbyists in Canonsburg last December — namely who picked up the hefty tab. 

The Post-Gazette obtained a copy of an invite to the private event and found sponsorship levels ranging from $1,000 to $10,000. While that isn't uncommon for political fundraisers, an organizer insisted this wasn't one.

Other questions about the party, including who cut checks and for how much, went unanswered by the political consultant listed on the invite, Phil Saggese, and state Rep. Natalie Mihalek (R., Allegheny), who paid the deposit for the "Southwest Society" event in 2020 using campaign funds. 

The gathering at the Bella Sera restaurant — which included pan-seared crab cakes, grilled lamb, and bacon-wrapped scallops — wasn't reported by a single legislator, showcasing what the Post-Gazette calls "Pennsylvania’s notoriously weak lobbying and disclosure laws."

THE CONTEXT: The only publicly searchable record of money changing hands for the event is a $1,000 payment to Bella Sera from the Pittsburgh firefighters union's political action committee, listed on the union PAC's year-end campaign finance report, the Post-Gazette explains. 

Pennsylvania is among a minority of states that places no limits on the value of gifts special interests can give legislators, something ethics experts say breeds mistrust in the political system and democracy itself. 

Long-running efforts to change the rules continue.

But as Spotlight PA reported in May, no matter how many advocates call for the policies to be tightened, how many bills are introduced, or how many legislators pledge to vote for them, the proposals have historically failed to reach the state House or Senate floor for a vote.

Often, they haven’t even received a hearing in the legislature.

Read more on the lack of transparency around lawmaker spending, perks, and gifts in Spotlight PA's ongoing The Hidden Tab series.

» TALK OF THE TOWN: On Friday, Aug. 12 at 6 p.m. ET, meet our new State College regional bureau team, get an inside look at what we're investigating, and tell us how we can better connect with you. RSVP here. Tell us what you want to know about the bureau at events@spotlightpa.org. 

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