Jan. 21, 2016

HARRISBURG – On Wednesday, the Senate State Government Committee voted in favor of two bills aimed at reducing the size of the Pennsylvania state legislature. One of those measures, House Bill 153, is being sponsored by Rep. Jerry Knowles (R-Berks/Carbon/Schuylkill). Knowles applauded the committee’s action on this issue, and is hopeful the bills will be brought up for a vote before the full Senate early this year.

“The reality is, we have the largest full-time legislature in our nation,” Knowles said. “We have more than 12.7 million residents living in our state, and I believe they should be the ones who decide if the size of our legislature stays the same, or if we downsize. By downsizing and streamlining several common processes within the legislature, I believe state government could run more efficiently and effectively; not to mention, we could save millions in taxpayer dollars.”

Knowles’ bill would reduce the number of seats in the state House to 151, and each representative would represent approximately 84,500 constituents. Currently, there are 203 House seats, and each representative is responsible for serving approximately 62,000 residents in their respective districts.

The committee also voted in favor of Senate Bill 488 at Wednesday’s meeting. This bill seeks to reduce the size of the Senate from 50 seats to 45, and seeks to reduce the size of the House to 153.

Chairman of the Senate State Government Committee Sen. Mike Folmer (R-Lebanon/York) said, “I both thank and applaud Rep. Knowles for his efforts to secure the people’s rights under Article I, Section 2 of Pennsylvania’s Constitution: ‘All power is inherent in the people, and all free governments are founded on their authority and instituted for their peace, safety and happiness. For the advancement of these ends they have at all times an inalienable and indefeasible right to alter, reform or abolish their government in such manner as they may think proper.’ Rep. Knowles’ House Bill gives ‘We the People’ this power in determining the size of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives.”

The reduction of members in the state legislature would require a constitutional amendment and identical legislation must pass each chamber in two consecutive sessions, before going on the ballot. If approved by the voters, it would not be effective until the first legislative session after the 2020 reapportionment.

For more information about Knowles’ legislation, or any other legislative topic, contact Knowles’ district office in Tamaqua at 570-668-1240, or in Hamburg at 610-562-3411. Information can also be found online at RepKnowles.com or Facebook.com/RepKnowles.

Representative Jerry Knowles
124th District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives

Media Contact: Krisinda Corbin
717.705.2032
kcorbin@pahousegop.com
RepKnowles.com / Facebook.com/RepKnowles
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