WASHINGTON SUPPORTS LEGISLATIVE REFORMS PROPOSALS

          HARRISBURG, February 1 – State Sen. LeAnna M. Washington (D-Phila.) announced today that she supports proposals put forth by state Sen. Vince Fumo that would reform the way the Pennsylvania General Assembly considers and approves legislation.

          “I applaud Senator Fumo’s leadership on this important subject,” Washington said.  “It is crucial that reform occur and what better time than now.  The citizenry is tired of business as usual.”

         Fumo’s legislation would empower the public and improve the legislative process in Pennsylvania by ensuring public notice, public input, and public enforcement.

          “It is critical that the public is confident about the way we handle the people’s business in Harrisburg,” Washington said.  “I see something very positive about the action Sen. Fumo is taking.”

          Washington added that she agreed with Fumo in that there is no reason to pass legislation in the early hours of the morning.

          “We must stop doing business in this manner,” Washington said.  “Our constituents deserve better and we should demand better.”

          In that regard, Fumo has proposed that a 24-hour “cooling-off” period be established when legislators and aides could have time to completely analyze pending amendments, or a 72 hour waiting period before a bill can be passed in its final form.