Ethics Guidance

U.S. Office of Government Ethics
1201 New York Avenue, NW.
Suite 500
Washington, DC 20005

202.482.9300

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OGE Logo and Address:  U.S. Office of Government Ethics, 1201 New York Ave., NW, Suite 500, Washington, DC  20005-3917

December 17, 1998 DO-98-035

MEMORANDUM

TO: Designated Agency Ethics Officials, General Counsels, and Inspectors General

FROM: Stephen D. Potts Director

SUBJECT: New OGE Pamphlets


Just in time for the holiday season, the Office of Government Ethics (OGE) is releasing two new pamphlets; one dealing with gifts from outside sources, the other discussing gifts between employees. These pamphlets can serve both as a seasonal reminder to employees of the rules governing the receipt of gifts, and as a resource in fulfilling written materials training requirements.

The pamphlets are written in an easy-to-read, question-and- answer format, providing a general overview of each of the two subparts of the Standards of Conduct while answering some of the most frequently asked questions concerning gifts. The gifts from outside sources pamphlet provides useful examples of the application of several of the exceptions to the gift prohibition, including the $20/$50 rule and the personal relationship and widely attended gatherings exceptions. The gifts between employees pamphlet likewise addresses the application of the general exceptions as well as those for special infrequent occasions and voluntary contributions.

Copies of both pamphlets are attached. Please make copies and distribute them as you deem necessary. Camera-ready copies of the pamphlets are available from OGE by contacting Sonya Hall at 202- 208-8000, extension 1138. The pamphlets are also located in the Ethics Resource Library section of the OGE Web site and may be downloaded from page www.usoge.gov/usoge006.html#publications.

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