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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
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CONTACT:
Roseann R. Cadau |
State Rep. Tim Mahoney |
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Mahoney attends first speaker’s reform commission meeting; legislative reforms discussed
HARRISBURG, Jan. 23 – State Rep. Tim Mahoney, D-Fayette, one of 24 legislators who comprise the Speaker’s Legislative Reform Commission, attended the commission's first meeting today in Harrisburg. The commission outlined reform measures needed to bring back good government practices to the Capitol.
Mahoney, who plans to introduce his own open-records bill, said many goals and ideas were discussed to improve the way business is conducted in the legislature.
“We want to restore integrity to our Pennsylvania General Assembly,” Mahoney said. “For too long now, the public has been shut out of the legislative process and we want to welcome them back.”
The commission plans to hold hearings over the next several weeks on proposed rules changes, including ending late-night legislative sessions. In addition, the commission would like to require the posting of votes on the legislative Web site and stop the practice of leadership’s closed door sessions.
Mahoney said he would like the public to participate in the process by e-mailing their opinions and reform suggestions to the commission at reform@pahouse.net.
The commission plans to meet on Jan. 30 and 31 and is expected to present a full report to the legislature and the public on March 12.
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Attention Radio News Directors: an actuality from Rep. Mahoney is available by calling 1-800-452-3001. Enter PA51 (7-2-51) and the pound sign (#) at the menu prompt to get today’s sound. You can also download the sound in .mp3 format by visiting www.pahouse.com/mediacenter.