Fewer rank-and-file members in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives would increase the flow of ideas as all sides could be heard during debates on legislation, said the top man in the House.
But a smaller Legislature may have unforeseen consequences — more expensive elections, more power for legislative leaders and less direct communication between lawmakers and constituents — warned some lawmakers and political analysts.
Smith presented his plan to cut the state House by 50 members to the House State Government Committee on Tuesday afternoon. The speaker said he was not “hanging his hat” on potential cost savings.
Under his proposal, more than 84,000 constituents would be in every district, up from about 62,000 in the current system. The bill would require a constitutional amendment, so voters would have to approve the change by referendum if the bill passes both chambers of the General Assembly in two consecutive sessions.
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