PITTSBURGH TRIBUNE-REVIEW: On the campaign trail, Pennsylvania’s candidates for governor have proposed reforms, some more ambitious than others, but political experts say it’s unrealistic to expect them to achieve much of what they outline — especially changing the Legislature that cost taxpayers $295 million this year.
Democrat Dan Onorato, the Allegheny County executive from Brighton Heights, proposes reducing the size of the 253-member General Assembly by 20 percent and imposing term limits on lawmakers. Both measures would require changing the state constitution through approval in two consecutive legislative sessions, and then approval by voters. Similar proposals have never gained traction in the Legislature.
“Dead on arrival,” said G. Terry Madonna, political science professor at Franklin & Marshall College in Lancaster… (more)
…but well worth trying.
Reducing the size and cost of the State legislature is a worthwhile goal, no matter what your political persuasion might be. No matter how difficult it might be to achieve, it is well worth the effort.