Oct. 17, 2017

HARRISBURG – Answering rising calls to fix broken state government, Rep. Stephen Bloom (R-Cumberland) and Sen. John H. Eichelberger Jr. (R-Blair) today unveiled a bicameral proposal to host a limited constitutional convention in Pennsylvania, similar to the one which occurred in 1967.

“Pennsylvania citizens are rightfully frustrated with our broken state government and are demanding major changes to the way state leaders conduct business,” Bloom said. “Our proposal will give the voters – those who pay state government’s bills – the chance to hasten major reforms via a constitutional convention.”

House Bill 1967 and Senate Bill 867 would call for a limited constitutional convention, which could amend the state constitution to address the size of the Legislature, the state budget process and other areas.

“Given the recent budget stalemates and the issues created, along with many other chronic questions from the public, now is the time to hold the constitutional convention,” Eichelberger said.

The lawmakers’ proposal would first allow voters to decide whether or not there should be a constitutional convention via referendum. If approved, the 163-member convention would be formed.

“Convention delegates would vote on recommended changes to the state’s Constitution, but the final decision would really be left up to Pennsylvania voters,” Bloom said. “A convention would be an opportunity for citizens to take a very direct role in historic government change.”

All final recommendations would require majority support from the 163 delegates. Those recommendations would then be placed on the ballot for approval or rejection by the voters.

Representative Stephen Bloom
199th District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives

Media Contact: Abbey Haslam
717.260.6222
ahaslam@pahousegop.com
RepBloom.com / Facebook.com/RepBloom / Twitter.com/RepBloom

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