KITCHEN: MORE OPEN GENERAL ASSEMBLY IS A TOP PRIORITY

          PHILADELPHIA, December 28 – A more transparent, responsive legislature is a top goal for the upcoming session, State Senator Shirley Kitchen said today.

          “We must never forget that our government is of the people, by the people and for the people,” Kitchen said. “Democracy works best when citizens are well-informed.”

          Kitchen pledged to work with members from both sides of the aisle, and noted approvingly that leaders from both parties have committed to the reform process.

          Leaders had announced earlier in the day that new Senate rules would give the public more insight and involvement in the workings of the General Assembly.

          “I believe we should go even further and give these rules the force of law,” Kitchen said. “Senate Democrats introduced a package of reform legislation last year and we should continue to fight for its passage.”

          The bills would give lawmakers ample time to read over bills and discuss them with constituents before making a vote. Legislative journals and specific votes would be posted in the Internet in a timely manner. The plan also allows as few as 10 percent of lawmakers to demand a public hearing on a bill before it can be voted.

          The package died in Republican-led legislative committees last year.

          “Trust in government is the cornerstone of democracy,” Kitchen said. “That trust can be achieved only through honest, open accountability.”

          The package also would require

·         a 72-hour waiting period before voting on a bill in its final form;

·         no bill be passed by a committee unless it has been considered for at least 24 hours after being amended;

·         all amendments be printed, posted, and all members of the General Assembly be notified, at least 24 hours prior to any vote on that amendment; and

·         any bill that expends state or local government funds, or which costs state or local government revenue, be considered by the Appropriations Committee in its final form as amended before being sent to the floor for final passage.