(The Center Square) – Pennsylvania’s full-time legislature wastes taxpayer money and diminishes public participation, according to a new proposal from state Rep. Stephanie Borowicz.
Pennsylvania’s 253 elected officials – 203 in the House and 50 in the Senate – make over $106,000 annually, second only to New York and California. It’s also just one of 10 states that maintain a full-time legislature. Before 1968, the commonwealth was part-time.
“Such a part-time body would reduce costs, encourage more Pennsylvanians to run for office or advocate before the legislature, and ensure that our work is accomplished in a timely manner with firm constitutional deadlines for adjournment,” said Borowicz, R-Lock Haven.
That’s why, she said, a constitutional amendment to lighten the load should be given to voters to decide. The process is lengthy: amendments must pass in two consecutive legislative sessions, which last two years each, before getting onto the ballot in a general election.
Passing anything, including the overdue state budget, carries less pressure when lawmakers aren’t facing the tighter deadlines of part-time bodies, Borowicz said.
Thirteen Republicans signed onto the bill as cosponsors. It awaits action in the House State Government Committee.
