Words from the web
The Pennsylvania state Senate has voted 43-6 to reduce the number of members in the state House of Representatives from 203 to 151. The House had passed a similar bill last year. Both chambers must pass the bill again next year and then it will go to voters for a statewide referendum. What do you think of the action? Do you think it’s something that’s needed to cut costs and make the chamber run more effectively? Do you have any concerns that it might make it harder for residents to contact their legislators, especially in rural areas?
“It’s a good idea. Toss term limits in there also.”
“It would make sense to cut the numbers, but there could be problems. The savings could be used to increase the remaining representatives’ pensions/benefits. The savings could also be used to increase the salaries for the remaining representatives. The new legislative lines would be gerrymandered. That goes without saying.”
“Sounds good to me. Give them $30,000 a year, plus a 401k (no pension) and make them contribute to their health care.”
“Pennsylvania has the largest full-time state legislature of any of the other states by far. And I would argue that being larger is not better. Remember your taxes pay their salaries (which are substantial), their per diems (above their salaries legislators are compensated for traveling to and from Harrisburg, lunch, dinner and so on) and they receive a pension even if they’ve only served a term. You pay for that. Then consider what the legislators have done lately which is pretty much nothing. At least nothing, that we’ve sent them to Harrisburg to do.”
“Can you think of anything that the legislature has done this year that is even vaguely helpful for Pennsylvanians? The legislature needs to be reduced in size and term limits must be set in place. No pensions per se, let legislators fund their own 401K plan, like the rest of us. Let’s get rid of the bloated, do-nothing body that is our legislature. Let’s get Pennsylvania in shape again!”
“That would be great. Next should be our city and county governments. They need reduced too, maybe even more than our legislators.”