Bill to Shink Legislature Headed to Senate

The state House on Wednesday approved a bill that would reduce the size of the Legislature—with both state representatives from the Canon-McMillan area voting yes on the measure.

House Bill 153, a constitutional amendment that would reduce the size and cost of state government, passed the House with a 140-49 vote.

“As Republicans, we stand for smaller government, and that includes a smaller Legislature,” state Rep. Mike Turzai, the majority leader in the House, said. “This legislation is an opportunity for us to ‘right-size’ Pennsylvania government, and frankly, a smaller group of lawmakers could deal more efficiently and effectively with the major issues facing the state.”

With 253 members, the Pennsylvania General Assembly is the second-largest and second most expensive Legislature in the country, he said in a statement.

To change the size of the legislature requires an amendment to the state constitution. The constitutional amendment process requires that the same bill be debated and passed in two consecutive sessions, and subsequently approved by referendum vote of the people of Pennsylvania.

The legislation now goes to the state Senate for consideration.

"Hopefully the people will see that we did this to make the House of Representatives more efficient," state , D-North Strabane, said. "Working with 153 members is more efficient than 203 members."

And he added that a reduction in size will also mean a reduction in costs.

"In the long run, I think it will save the state money it can instead spend on education and other services," he said.

Added state , D-Cecil: "I know that the people overwhelmingly think it would be a benefit, and I work for the people. Who am I to tell them they are wrong?"