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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
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State
Rep. Dwight Evans |
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Evans commends Policy Committee, praises media for raising dialogue on constitutional convention
HARRISBURG, May 1 – House Appropriations Chairman Dwight Evans today lauded the House Joint Policy Committee for its decision to begin the process of reviewing the state constitution, which last underwent major revisions in 1968.
"With their decision to hold a hearing on Monday, Democratic Chairman Todd Eachus and Republican Chairman Mike Turzai are signaling to the legislature and the public that it is time for us to develop a better understanding of our state constitution, its history and the role it plays in shaping how government operates," Evans said. "I’m particularly gratified this will be a bipartisan hearing because our basic rule of law affects every resident of the commonwealth."
Evans, D-Phila., is one of the legislature’s leading advocates on the issue of revising the state constitution. He supports the concept of seating a citizens’ commission to review the document and to propose specific changes to be considered by delegates at a constitutional convention. Voters would subsequently approve any recommendations.
"My goal is to have a deliberate process," Evans said. "We should not approach this rashly, but we should approach this exercise as one that will help us build momentum for a future constitutional convention. Monday’s Joint Policy Committee hearing is the first step."
The hearing will feature a presentation by Professor John L. Gedid, director of the Law & Government Institute at Widener University’s School of Law. He has published extensively and most recently contributed a chapter on Pennsylvania constitutional history to a book titled, "The Pennsylvania Constitution: A Treatise on Rights and Liberties." The presentation will be followed by a 30-minute question-and-answer session.
Evans said Rep. Kathy Manderino, D-Phila., a member of the Policy Committee, is to be credited for working with both chairmen and others in the legislature to move the issue forward in a formal manner.
"Representative Manderino is a passionate advocate, and I appreciate that she has been able to persuade our colleagues on both sides of the aisle to be champions for discussion and debate on this issue," Evans said.
In addition, Evans said he was gratified to see editorial writers from around Pennsylvania begin to focus on the idea of a constitutional convention.
Pennsylvania held its last constitutional convention from Dec. 1, 1967, to Feb. 29, 1968. Delegates proposed changes in articles effecting the legislature, judiciary, local government and state finances. Voters approved those recommendations on April 23, 1968.
"April 23 marked the 40th anniversary of our current constitution, and in the week before and after, the press really focused on this issue. I’ve seen and heard commentary from writers and broadcast reporters all across the state. Clearly this is an idea whose time has come."
The joint Policy Committee hearing will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, May 5 in Room 140 of the Main Capitol in Harrisburg. It is open to public.
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CONTACT: Johnna A. Pro Phone: 717-783-8024 Cell: 717-418-3749 Email: jpro@pahouse.net
Barbara Fellencer Phone: 717-772-8033 Email: bfellenc@pahouse.net
EDITORS: For more information about Rep. Dwight Evans’ legislative initiatives, visit the Web site www.pahouse.net/evans. For more information about the House Appropriations Committee, visit the Web site www.hacd.net.
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