July 2, 2007
Contact:
 Anna Gustafson
717-787-2637
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Senate Update
by
 Senator James J. Rhoades

In the past two years, Pennsylvanians have made it clear that they want state government to be more open and accountable to the people. While the Senate has made a number of important reforms to make state government more responsible in recent months, the ultimate form of legislative accountability will always be the ballot box. Pennsylvanians can vote to replace representatives that do not properly represent their interests in Harrisburg, and many voters exercised that right last November.

However, under current law, legislators who have not won re-election can still have the ability to make decisions on controversial issues like tax increases and pay raises. During "lame duck" voting sessions following a general election but before the start of a new legislative session, the General Assembly has the capability to circumvent the will of the voters, taking power away from those who cast their ballots in November.

That's why I strongly supported Senate Bill 468, legislation that would limit the legislative session by eliminating the "lame duck" voting period. Citizens of Pennsylvania have demonstrated that they want state government to be more open and accountable, and this bill will require that all votes will be taken before the end of session, reducing the influence of representatives who no longer are accountable to the districts they serve.

Since this legislation would amend the Pennsylvania Constitution, the bill would have to pass the Senate and the House of Representatives in two consecutive legislative sessions before it is presented to the voters for final approval.

Senator Rhoades represents the 29th Senatorial District, which includes all of Schuylkill County and parts of Berks, Carbon, Lehigh, Monroe and Northampton Counties.