|
For Immediate
Release
12/13/07
Contact:
Colleen Greer
(717) 787-6801
Op-Ed: Paving the Way for Reform
By Senator Jeffrey E. Piccola (R-15)
Dauphin/York Counties
Over the past year, the Senate State Government Committee has taken several
key steps to reform Pennsylvania state government. I have the fortunate
position of chairing that committee, which has been one of the most active
committees in the Senate this year. Improving accessibility, transparency, and
accountability are among my main goals as chair.
I am proud to share some of our accomplishments with you. To begin, our
committee spearheaded the passage of Senate Bill 44, which severed the tie-in
between federal and state judicial salaries. This connection was established in
the inexcusable 2005 pay raise and was subsequently upheld by the Pennsylvania
Supreme Court, despite the fact that the General Assembly attempted to repeal
the pay raise for all parties involved. My legislation was amended into a House
bill and signed into law as Act 30. Under this new state law, the last vestiges
of the pay raise have finally been eliminated.
In addition, my committee was involved in closely examining Pennsylvania's
Constitution to determine if amendments are needed. We held three statewide
public hearings to discuss legislation that would provide for the convening of a
constitutional convention. During the hearings, we began the dialogue for
members of the General Assembly and the citizens of Pennsylvania as to what a
constitutional convention is, what its potential might be, and how this process
would benefit our Commonwealth. My office is currently in the process of
drafting legislation that would allow the public to vote on holding a
convention.
Just as importantly, my committee convened a "constitutional amendment day"
to vote on five constitutional amendments. Four measures were actually voted
out of committee: reducing the size of the Legislature, ending post election
"lame duck" sessions, changing the line of succession to allow a lieutenant
governor who becomes governor to pick his/her second-in-command, and
congressional redistricting. A measure imposing term limits for lawmakers was
also considered. I voted in favor of term limits, but it did not receive the
support of a majority of some members, so it failed.
But the work and progress didn't stop there. In addition to the
constitutional amendments, the committee extensively examined and ultimately
approved legislation that strengthens Pennsylvania's Right-to-Know Law. The
Senate then went on to pass this legislation. The House of Representatives made
a host of revisions to the Senate version prior to the holiday recess;
therefore, any future movement on this reform will be delayed until next year.
Although I believe the bill can be stronger, it represents a positive step
forward by expanding the public's access to much of state government.
The State Government Committee also has oversight of election issues in
Pennsylvania. That's why my committee held a hearing to provide the Senate and
the public an overview of the wide-range of election issues currently facing our
Commonwealth. Additionally, hearings were convened on revising the state's
legislative reapportionment process and on the concept of Initiative and
Referendum, which would enable the public to place ideas for statutes and
constitutional amendments directly on the ballot for a vote by the people. I am
hopeful these issues will be voted on by my committee in 2008.
When we turn the page and enter a new year, the committee will be working to
change the culture of the Legislature by considering additional reforms, such as
a ban on lobbyist-paid gifts and travel, limits on campaign contributions,
limits on what candidates can do with campaign money, and a lobbying law with
increased penalties for violators. It's important that we revisit the state's
new lobbying disclosure law to close loopholes and make it truly comprehensive,
as well as establish meaningful improvements to our campaign finance system.
As we continue down this road to reform, it is my hope the General Assembly
and Governor will work together to address these issues and many other needed
government reforms. Pennsylvanians demand and deserve a transparent and
accessible government. I believe we should have nothing less in the 21st
century and will continue my work towards achieving it.
Additional Information:
Reforming Government
 Print this page
E-mail
this page
Back |
