Priority proposal should get priority
State representatives Dave Steil (R-Bucks County) and Josh Shapiro (D-Montgomery County) held a press conference on an intriguing proposal Tuesday.
First the backdrop. For years, newer lawmakers have complained about their lack of clout in Harrisburg. They get elected. They have ideas. They have changes they’d like to make. Legislation they’d like to pass.
But they quickly learn that they can propose all the legislation they want and it might not matter. If party leadership or the appropriate committee chairman doesn’t embrace the issue or the concept — or at least agree that it’s worth debating — their proposals will languish. And languish. And continue to languish.
And never come up for discussion.
The proposal from Steil and Shapiro would change that, at least in the House.
During each two-year session of the state Legislature, each House member would be allowed to slap “priority” status on two bills. Those bills would then be guaranteed a committe vote within 120 days. If approved in committee, the full House would have to vote on the bill within 30 session days.
Those folks pushing for reform in Harrisburg are going to like this idea, too. They’ve long complained about the stranglehold party leaders and committee chairmen have on the legislative process.
And really, it doesn’t seem like too much to ask — that lawmakers elected by their constituents have at least two proposals considered, debated and voted on during a two-year term in the House.
The proposal’s prospects? Steil says he has no promise it will come up for a vote.
Of course, those prospects would be much better if a rule like this was already in place.