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Pennsylvania State Senate
04/19/2024 03:50 AM
Pennsylvania State Senate
https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/Legis/CSM/showMemoPublic.cfm?chamber=S&SPick=20210&cosponId=36666
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Senate Co-Sponsorship Memoranda

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Senate of Pennsylvania
Session of 2021 - 2022 Regular Session

MEMORANDUM

Posted: January 6, 2022 03:07 PM
From: Senator Daniel Laughlin
To: All Senate members
Subject: Reducing the Size of the General Assembly
 
I will be introducing legislation to reduce the size of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives to 150 members. This would increase the size of the House districts by approximately a third, bringing the ratio of lawmakers in Pennsylvania more in line with other states.

With 253 members, Pennsylvania is ranked as the 2nd largest state legislature in the nation according to the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL). Based on the 2020 U.S. Census, Pennsylvania is ranked 5th in population – following California, Texas, New York, and Florida. While examining the legislatures of the top 10 states on the population list, states with a smaller population than Pennsylvania, have fewer legislators and larger districts. For example, Illinois population is 12,812,508 and each of their 118 House members represent 108,581 constituents. Ohio population is 11,799,448 with 99 House members each representing 119,186 constituents compared to Pennsylvania’s population of 13,002,700 with 203 House members each representing 64,053 constituents.

With the constant improvement and evolution of technology, it is possible to reduce the size of the legislature without sacrificing efficiency, communication with our constituents, or increasing expenses. A smaller legislature would allow for a more robust discussion, clearer debates, and provide more time to each member to have his or her voice heard.

This legislation will be unique from previous versions by including language that each Senate district will encompass 3 House members. This will allow for a more unified voice to each district and encourage bipartisanship.

Please join me in sponsoring this important piece of legislation in an effort to produce savings, increase efficiency, and to promote public confidence in our institution.

 


Introduced as SB1042