Posted: | April 4, 2022 09:03 AM |
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From: | Representative Joe Webster |
To: | All House members |
Subject: | Remote Voting in Committee Meetings |
The COVID-19 pandemic required the Pennsylvania General Assembly to adapt, along with every workplace in the commonwealth. To continue executing the duties of the legislature while maintaining safe working conditions, temporary rules for the House of Representatives were established. These rules allowed members to vote by designation on the floor of the House and in committee meetings; however, they expired on January 31, 2022. With remote work trends accelerating and becoming permanent as a result of COVID-19, I believe the House of Representatives should follow suit. I plan on introducing legislation to amend the House Rules to allow for members to vote remotely and by designation during committee meetings indefinitely. As we emerge and progress forward with the knowledge we gained through experiencing a global pandemic, we should allow for remote work to continue in all sectors. Keeping this rule modernization will mean members can spend more time with their constituents in their districts, with no loss of representation. Please join me in showing the people of Pennsylvania that we are committed to constantly growing and evolving as a state government. I greatly appreciate your consideration. |
Introduced as HR196