They still don't understand the problem

An article by Joplin Globe reporter Sadie Gurman explores bills that would limit some lobbying practices in the state. The publicity given by news outlets to lobbying scandals across the U. S. guaranteed legislation would be filed here since politicians can tell a winning proposition when they see one.
Ms. Gurman's article was most enjoyable when she quotes local legislators who piously note their votes can't be bought for a sandwich. I am not going to suggest they are being dishonest. I am sure they firmly believe what they say.
The problem is a combination of lobbyists having access that normal everyday citizens do not have and then combining that with little (and some not so little) gifts here and there.
The simplest way to handle it would be to ban lobbyists' gifts completely, which has been proposed. Lobbyists would still have the opportunity to meet with legislators and get their points across. They would still have the major advantage of proximity since most of them have Jefferson City offices. If these were eliminated, it would eliminate the farce of some lobbyists establishing puppet organizations and claiming their expenses are for those while they are spending incredible amounts for special interests who do not want the amount they are spending to be known.
There will always be those who claim that full disclosure of gifts is even better, but it is not. There are few media outlets, the Globe included, who spend much time examining lobbyist disclosure forms, and members of the public, for the most part, do not have the time or the inclination to do so.
Eliminate lobbyists' gifts and you will take a big step toward reforming faith in government.