House Co-Sponsorship Memoranda

 

In order to maintain a free and democratic society, we must ensure that our government operates in a transparent manner. Transparency is a government’s obligation to be open and honest with how tax dollars are being spent so that citizens can hold their public officials accountable. Governments exist to serve the people, and the people deserve and expect a government that they can put their trust in.
 
The Pennsylvania Sunshine Act allows individuals to witness and discuss state agency decisions. It is crucial that residents of the state can voice their objections and approvals of all decisions being made by their state and local government officials. The General Assembly is required to follow the Sunshine Act for meetings of committees where bills are considered, all hearings where testimony is taken, and all sessions of the Senate and the House of Representatives. However, individual members of the House of Representatives do not need to disclose when they have meetings with organizations or other stakeholders in which changes to state law are discussed.
 
To ensure that transparency is prioritized throughout our state government, I plan on introducing legislation to amend the General Operating Rules of the House of Representatives to require all in-person and virtual meetings held between a member and a non-constituent to be published on the Member’s official State website. Meetings where state law, regulation, and legislation are discussed between a member and an individual who does not reside in their district, should be public knowledge. My legislation will require the date and time of the meeting and the names and primary organizational affiliations of all non-constituents attending the meeting to be disclosed.
 
This is a good government initiative that will show the people of Pennsylvania that their elected officials in the House of Representatives value transparency. Please join me in supporting this proposal. Your consideration is greatly appreciated.