As it stands now, the public can request information on legislative expenses through the state’s public records law, but getting those documents can take weeks and sometimes longer if there is a dispute over access.
More policies are being decided by voters — is that a good thing?
Pa.'s Republican-majority General Assembly are proposing Constitutional Amendments more frequently
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Scott LaMar/WITF
As it stands now, the public can request information on legislative expenses through the state’s public records law, but getting those documents can take weeks and sometimes longer if there is a dispute over access.
Listen to Smart Talk every weekday at 9:30 am and 7:30 pm on WITF 89.5 & 93.3. You can also stream WITF radio live on our website or ask your smart speaker to “Play WITF Radio.”
Airdate: Wednesday, February 9, 2022
Pennsylvania’s Democratic Governor Tom Wolf has vetoed more bills than any governor since Milton Shapp in the 1970s. Republicans, who are in the majority in both the State House of Representatives and Senate, say the governor won’t negotiate with them on policies.
As a result, Republican legislators are proposing more Constitutional Amendments that require passage by two consecutive sessions in the House and Senate and then a decision by voters through ballot questions. Through that process, Wolf or any other governor, doesn’t have the opportunity to veto a bill.
Democrats have complained that changing the Constitution circumvents the checks and balances built into a democratic form of government. Republicans counter that Pennsylvanians get to decide their own futures by voting for or against a proposed bill. Historically, Pennsylvania voters usually approve ballot questions.
Just recently, a Constitutional Amendment has been proposed to privatize the sale of liquor in the state. Last year, voters decided to limit the governor’s power to declare and renew a state of emergency — motivated by restrictions imposed by Wolf during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Is what’s happening in Pennsylvania leading to propositions and initiatives where voters decide on laws and regulations? Twenty-six states and the District of Columbia utilize referendums and initiatives.
Wednesday’s Smart Talk addresses the growing trend toward governing through Constitutional Amendments with Dr. Stephen Medvic, Kunkel Professor of Government, Dept. of Government at Franklin & Marshall College.
