Pa. House Takes First Step Toward Smaller Legislature
By Tony Romeo
HARRISBURG, Pa. (CBS) - The state House has passed and sent to the Senate legislation that could ultimately reduce the size of the Pennsylvania legislature.
Allegheny County Republican Mike Turzai, the House majority leader, spoke in favor of the proposal to reduce the size of the House and Senate by about a fourth.
"It is an opportunity for us to right-size Pennsylvania government and to be able to deal in a more efficient and effective manner with respect to the major issues facing this state."
Mark Cohen of Philadelphia was among the Democrats opposed to the idea.
"The fact that we represent a smaller number of people makes us closer to the people and enables us to do a better job. We ought not to be ashamed of that fact."
The measure now goes to the Senate, where a spokesman says it has the majority leader's support. But, even if approved by the Senate, the legislation will have to be approved by the House and Senate again in the new session that begins next year before being subject to a voter referendum.
