Pennsylvania Constitutional Convention Proposed

Pennsylvania Constitutional Convention Proposed

By Leo Knepper

On Oct. 17, Senator John Eichelberger and Representative Stephen Bloom introduced legislation to enable a limited state constitutional convention. We are proud to count Sen. Eichelberger and Rep. Bloom as CAP members. The legislation that they’ve crafted will go a long way to reforming the dysfunctional government saddling the taxpayers of the Commonwealth. Their press statement on the legislation makes an effective case for its rational and lays out the basics of how a convention would operate:

“Pennsylvanians deserve better,” said Senator Eichelberger. “They’re fed up with the inability of the General Assembly, on the whole, to address significant deficiencies in several key areas of the state government. A limited constitutional convention could lead to significant reform and go a long way in restoring the public’s faith in a system that has been failing them.”

“Senate Bill 867, sponsored by Senator Eichelberger, and House Bill 1967, sponsored by Representative Bloom, will allow the public to vote in an upcoming election on whether or not there should be a constitutional convention limited to very specific topics.  Those topics include proposed changes to the terms and size of the General Assembly; spending without an enacted budget; the office of the Lieutenant Governor; and the judiciary.

“A constitutional convention would be an opportunity for citizens who are frustrated with our broken state government to take a very direct role in historic government change,” said Representative Bloom.

If the majority of voters approve, a preparatory committee would immediately make logistical arrangements for holding the convention.  The convention would consist of 163 members – three delegates elected from each of the senatorial districts and 13 other members who would consist of members of the General Assembly and be ex-officio members. Convention delegates would vote on recommended changes to the state constitution.  All recommendations would require a majority vote of the 163 delegates.  Proposed changes in the form of ballot questions would be placed on the ballot for final approval or rejection by the voters.

The text of the Senate bill can be found here. As Sen. Eichelberger and Rep. Bloom noted at their press conference, the scope of the convention will be limited to the Articles affecting the legislature, legislation, the executive, and judicial branch. None of the sections on basic rights of citizens (i.e. firearms) would be open for discussion. We will keep you posted about this important legislation as it progresses.

Mr. Knepper is executive director of Citizens Alliance of Pennsylvania.

Pennsylvania Constitutional Convention Proposed By Leo Knepper On Oct. 17, Senator John Eichelberger and Representative Stephen Bloom introduced legislation to enable a limited state constitutional convention.

 

Pennsylvania Constitutional Convention Proposed

 

4 thoughts on “Pennsylvania Constitutional Convention Proposed”

  1. The Pennsylvania Constitution most recently rewritten in 1968 is a poorly conceived piece of garbage that enables special interest.

    You doubt me? How many people know who their state representative or senator is, much less in what district they reside? Our gerrymandering is legendary and obscene. Why should a municipality be divided at the precinct level for a state district? Why should a county have more than one representative or senator whose district crosses county lines?

    Why do our legislators get compensation close to six-figures with per diems (and not counting benefits) and rank only behind California as best paid?

    Pennsylvania routinely ranks among the most corrupt:

    It contains words that are the legacy of 19th century bigots that prevent school choice.

    It allows for more than half the spending to be allocated apart from the public discussions and votes relating to the General Fund.

    It allows for teacher strikes that literally allow children to be harmed to enrich others.

    Yes, Pennsylvania needs a new constitution.

  2. Another change that any proposed constitutional convention should consider, is adding a balanced budget amendment.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.