Pennsylvanians are rightfully troubled by the disregard of the law and the arrogant abuse of power they have seen in Harrisburg for far too long. The system is clearly broken.

One path to real reform is to return the General Assembly to its roots as a part-time citizens' legislature. To that end, I am one of 3 main sponsors of HB 1554, which would amend the Pennsylvania Constitution to create a two-year budget cycle and return the General Assembly to part-time status. Under this proposal, members of the General Assembly would serve part-time, and would receive part-time pay for part-time work.

In addition to a substantial reduction in costs, salaries and expenses, the proposal would change the make-up of the General Assembly from a body of professional politicians to a body of citizen legislators, and would deliver a blow to the culture of corruption. More than thirty other states, including Virginia, Texas, Maryland and West Virginia manage with a part-time legislature. Pennsylvania can do so as well.

In fact, the Statewide Grand Jury investigating the Bonusgate allegations agreed, recommending that the Pennsylvania General Assembly return to its roots as a part-time body.

Additionally, I have introduced legislation mandating that the pensions of all members of the General Assembly be converted from the existing Defined-Benefit Plan to a Defined-Contribution Plan similar to those most often seen in the private business world. The time has come for members of the General Assembly to lead by example on this important issue.

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