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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
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State
Rep. Bill Kortz |
  
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Kortz calls for ballot referendum on constitutional convention
HARRISBURG, May 9 – State Rep. Bill Kortz, D-Allegheny, has drafted legislation that would place a non-binding referendum on the ballot for the Nov. 4 general election concerning additional government reform.
The referendum would ask Pennsylvania voters whether they would like the General Assembly to pass legislation that would convene a limited constitutional convention to examine restructuring and functioning of the General Assembly. The proposal is currently circulating in the House of Representatives.
"The issue of reform in our General Assembly is extremely important to me and many voters across the Commonwealth," Kortz said. "Allowing the electorate to express their intentions through a non-binding referendum would serve and strengthen our democracy."
Armed with the results of this referendum, the newly elected General Assembly could then proceed in 2009 with the issue of convening a constitutional convention, and address issues such as term limits and the size of the legislature.
"While much quality work has been performed by the Speaker’s Reform Commission and House membership, such as ending midnight legislative sessions, banning 'ghost voting' and passing new internal rule reforms, more work is necessary," Kortz said. "I feel communicating with the people of Pennsylvania is an important and necessary next step that should be undertaken before this session is concluded.
I was elected to bring reform to state government, and this legislation is part of that commitment."
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