If the road to a better state government seems overly long and arduous in Pennsylvania, that’s because it is — long and arduous.

That’s why it’s important to celebrate victories or steps in the right direction — no matter how small — when they happen.

Which is what we intend to do with the passage, earlier this month, of a bill toughening the rules for lobbyists in Pennsylvania.

The bill doubles fines for violating Pennsylvania’s lobbying disclosure law, increases the penalty against lobbyists when they file disclosure forms late, and lays out a tight timeline for filing the forms with state regulators.

Yes, it’s a minor improvement, but it’s still just that — an improvement. What’s not to like about this legislation?

Pennsylvania has struggled mightily with a lack of integrity throughout its state government — from the broken state budgeting process to the very real concern that elected officials here are much more interested in the opinions of special interest groups than their constituents.

Just how bad is it? According to one media outlet, it can’t get much worse. In its most recent “state integrity” rankings, U.S. News and World Report slated Pennsylvania 45th.

One modest lobbying disclosure reform bill won’t change the fact that Pennsylvania has a problem with transparency and accountability. Look no further than the millions of taxpayer dollars used to settle and keep secret sexual harassment claims against state officials for evidence of that.

And what about other ways in which Pennsylvania’s government is broken? What about the General Assembly’s atrocious legislative per diem system? What about the secrecy shrouding many aspects of Pennsylvania’s fledgling medical marijuana system? What about other troubling aspects of lobbying — personal gifts, trips and travel — that still go unrestricted and unreformed?

No, this bill is not perfect. It’s prime sponsor, state Rep. Bryan Cutler, R-Lancaster, has acknowledged as much already — saying he wanted higher fines on lobbyists but settled for an increase from $2,000 to $4,000 in order to get the measure passed.

Still, every journey begins with a single step. And it’s not the size of that first stride that matters — it’s what you do with the momentum you’ve created.

We urge our elected officials: don’t let this first step go to waste. Make 2018 a year of good government reforms in Pennsylvania.