Government Reform and Accountability

We owe it to the people of Pennsylvania to reform the way the Legislature works.  I’m talking about meaningful, bold reforms.  And I support changes that will provide for a more open, accountable and responsive state government. 

Several years ago, I introduced legislation to end lame-duck sessions.  Lame-duck session occurs every other November.  It falls between the General Election and the swearing-in of new members in the new legislative session.  This is when a lot of bizarre bills are passed (usually at 2:00 in the morning).  There wasn’t a lot of support for my proposal back then, but there certainly is today. 

As in previous years, I’ve also introduced legislation to allow for initiative and referendum here in Pennsylvania.  This would allow voters to place a statewide referendum question on the ballot.  Essentially, it would “let the people decide” if it’s a good idea or not.   

I’ve also introduced legislation for many years that would change the way re-apportionment is done in Pennsylvania.  The way we now re-draw legislative districts every ten years to conform to the U.S. Census is entirely too political.  The current process allows the four legislative leaders to carve out far too many “safe seats” to protect incumbents.  I favor an independent commission that would ensure that competitive seats are the norm, instead of the exception.  A legislator from a 50/50 district (which means that the registration is evenly split) is always going to be more responsive to his or her constituents.  Someone from a “safe” 60% or 70% district will always be more responsive to the wishes of the party bosses than to the people he represents. 

There’s no reason why we can’t enact many of these meaningful, common sense reforms this year.  I will continue to work hard to make sure these reforms become law and that the General Assembly better represents all Pennsylvania citizens.