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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
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State Rep. Paul Drucker State Rep. Barb McIlvaine Smith State Rep. Steven Santarsiero |
State lawmakers unveil package of reform proposals
HARRISBURG, July 7 – State Reps. Paul Drucker, Richard Mirabito, Barbara McIlvaine Smith and Steven Santarsiero today introduced a package of legislative and campaign reform proposals at a news conference in the state Capitol.
Drucker has authored legislation that would reform the redistricting process to make it more uniform and less partisan.
"When I ran for office I promised to help restore faith in lawmakers and change the way that Harrisburg does business," said Drucker, D-Chester/Montgomery. "This bill would prevent unfair, gerrymandered redistricting practices."
A Drucker/Santarsiero bill would require legislators to contribute toward the cost of their health-care benefits.
"I think our colleagues understand that it's only fair that we contribute toward health-care costs, particularly in these tough economic times," said Santarsiero, D-Bucks. "This bill would require legislators to pay 1 percent of their salary toward their health-care costs."
Mirabito will introduce two bills that would establish a searchable Web site to track all state expenses over $1,000, and restrict the awarding of contracts that may result in public officials' financial gain, including the financial gain of family members. That bill would also prohibit governmental bodies from entering into contracts with businesses that employ former legislators for a specified period of time after the legislator leaves office.
"Good government is open, honest, transparent and responsible with tax dollars," said Mirabito, D-Lycoming. "My bills would give residents the ability to easily track Commonwealth spending and end the ability to hide bonuses or a make sweetheart contracts."
McIlvaine Smith's bill would prohibit the awarding of bonuses for all state employees.
"I have made government reform and transparency the hallmark of my legislative platform, and I believe my legislation is an integral part of achieving that objective," said McIlvaine Smith, D-Chester. "The simple fact of the matter is that these perks don’t serve the interests of our constituents and are highly prone to abuse. Employees should not receive compensation other than what is stipulated in their annual salary. Let's eliminate the grey areas where abuse tends to thrive by banishing this practice entirely."