Common Cause PA support legislative reform proposals introduced by Senator Vincent Fumo

Press Center

For Immediate Release

December 14, 2005

Contact: Barry Kauffman

(717) 232-9951

Common Cause PA support legislative reform proposals introduced by Senator Vincent Fumo

The Capitol, Harrisburg – For over a decade Common Cause/PA has working to democratize and open the legislative process in Pennsylvania. Therefore, I want to thank Senator Fumo for the very valuable series of legislative reform proposals he is introducing. These proposals are an important acknowledgement that there are serious defects in the way the Peoples’ business is being done at the state capitol – and Sen. Fumo deserves credit for attempting to remedy this situation.

When enacted, these reforms will help Pennsylvania government better serve our citizens in a variety of ways. First, these reforms will permit representatives to:

better understand the measures on which they vote,

have time to consult with trusted experts and constituents,

more fully prepare, propose and deliberate options, and

have better opportunities to influence the outcome of legislation.

Secondly, these reforms also will provide citizens with long overdue tools that will help them to:

monitor the actions of their government,

better provide their lawmakers with timely observations, suggestions and opinions, and

solidify their rights to challenge inappropriate actions of government in court.

We look forward to working with Senator Fumo to improve the governing climate in the Keystone State. Hopefully, we can make these reforms the law of the land in the very near future. Pennsylvanians deserve no less.