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HOUSE DEMOCRATIC LEADERSHIP LETTERS
Rep. Bill DeWeese, Majority Leader |
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House Democrats taking action,
As the new Majority this year, House Democrats have been clear in our efforts to be open and deliberative with the legislative process. We are here to do what we were elected to do - effect positive change for Pennsylvanians.
Open records finally see the light of day Following through on the recommendations of the bipartisan Speaker's Commission on Legislative Reform, this week Democratic members of the State Government Committee approved a bill (H.B. 443) to expand the state's Open Records law. Under the proposal, and for the first time ever, the legislature will be included in the open records law. Make no mistake. This bill would not have seen the light of day in GOP hands. Proposals like it sat dormant for 12 years when House Republicans were in charge. Other substantial issues were forced to a vote as last-minute amendments without any public input. The bill may not be perfect in its current form, but it's here because we took action. House debate on the proposal is expected to begin Wednesday (a full 6 days after the bill was publicly available on the Internet. However, final action is unlikely to take place until the following week of Oct. 29. This timeline again ensures ample opportunity for public input and discussion. Property tax reform also to see committee action Another major issue that House Democrats promised to move forward this session is property tax reform. To that end, the House Finance Committee will hold an extensive meeting on the issue at 10 a.m. Oct. 24 in Harrisburg. Several proposals are expected to be considered at that time. We're not simply talking about the issues, House Democrats are taking action!
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