Lots of Reform Talk but Little Action in Harrisburg, PA
By Erin Huckle -- Intern
Posted on Wed May 30, 2007 at 01:54:47 PM EST
Pennsylvania's State Legislature is taking positive steps to reform campaign finance, modify its internal rules, and expand Pennsylvania's Right-To-Know Law. Unfortunately, the Indiana Gazette Online reports that floor votes and real changes on these reform issues have been moving along at a frustratingly slow pace for months.
One of the major reforms proposed involves modifying the current Right-To-Know Law so that citizens can have access to records covering more than just accounts, contracts, minutes, or orders and decisions. If it passes, the extended Right-to-Know Law will be a significant step towards a more open political system in Pennsylvania, which is lagging far behind other states in allowing public access to government records.
Not surprisingly, the Pennsylvania State Legislature had no problem raising its own pay two years ago and is balking at the prospect of restricting its other benefits. State representatives still have work to do limiting political perks like the use of state cars and increased oversight of health care and pension benefits.
Despite the delays, Barry Kauffman, head of Common Cause of Pennsylvania, thinks that many reform measures will eventually pass the legislature. Hopefully he's right. In the meantime, you can check out Common Cause of Pennsylvania's website to learn more about reform in the Pennsylvania Legislature.
Tags: Pennsylvania, In the States, Government Accountability, transparency, openness, open government (all tags)
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