"When I ran for the Senate in 2004, I ran on a platform of reform -- and on
my 1st day in office -- I introduced a Constitutional Amendment
to eliminate "lame duck" voting sessions.
"I knew when I was
elected -- and I still believe today that banning
lame duck sessions --of legislators whose terms are about to expire and
won't return to office -- is an essential reform.
"It all comes down to accountability. The public
should be able to hold legislators accountable for the votes they cast
BEFORE the election, not AFTER.
"Lame duck sessions have historically been used to
skirt accountability. In the past, lame duck sessions have been used to
vote on volatile issues such as tax increases, more borrowing or pay
raises. If these votes were cast before an election, I doubt the results
would be the same.
"As everyone gathered here knows, we opened the
2007-08 Session with a cloud over state government. The public made it
quite clear that they were tired of the 'business as usual' attitude in
Harrisburg.
"We heard the resounding cry for transparency in
state government -- and we took it to heart. The Senate came out last
January with a renewed commitment to reform and to end questionable
practices of the past.
"We took several strong steps to bring about those
reforms. In the very first days of this Session, the Senate adopted new
rules designed to shine a greater light on the actions we take, the debates
we hold, and the votes we cast. We have seen similar reforms in the House.
"Open records reform stands as a testament to our
ability to get results when we work together.
"Now, as we near the end of the 2-year session, it
is time to take the next logical step in the reform process by forever
banning "lame duck" sessions.
"While I was unable to move my original legislation
out of Committee during the 2005-06 Session, I reintroduced the
Constitutional Amendment this session as Senate Bill 468.
"Last June, the Senate overwhelmingly passed this
Constitutional Amendment (41-8).
"On July 3rd, Senate Bill 468 was
referred to the House State Government Committee but has not seen any action
since.
"I truly believe this inaction is a disservice to
the people of Pennsylvania.
"And so I call on the Chair of the House State
Government Committee to bring Senate Bill 468 up for a Committee vote and
allow the Legislature to continue marching forward in the name of government
reform. Thank you."
