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Senator Regola lauds decision against “lame duck” in 2008

Authored Senate Bill 468 to ban after-election voting sessions

Senator Bob Regola (R-39) hailed today’s announcement by Senate Leadership that the Senate will not convene in “Lame Duck” session this fall.  Senator Regola is the prime sponsor of Senate Bill 468, a Constitutional Amendment that would eliminate “lame duck” voting sessions -- voting that occurs after a general election and before the start of a new legislative session.

The 26 days between November 4 and November 30 are known as a “lame duck” session because some members of the General Assembly can vote on legislation despite the fact that their successors have already been elected.  At least six new members will be elected to the Senate this year, replacing retiring members.

“I applaud this decision by Senate Leadership,” said Sen. Regola. “The people of Pennsylvania have made it clear that they want accountability on the part of their elected officials and that they are tired of the old business-as-usual attitude of state government.”

Senate President Pro Tempore Joe Scarnati (R-25) and Senate Majority Leader Dominic Pileggi (R-9) announced today (May 29) that the Senate will not convene for a regular lame duck session in 2008.

“The Senate will not convene for the traditional lame duck session after the November 4 elections,” said Sen. Scarnati.  “We are announcing this now so that we can plan, along with the House and the governor, to complete this year’s legislative work before the election.”

Through the years, lame duck sessions have been criticized because legislators and the governor are less accountable to voters during this period of time.  According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, Pennsylvania is currently one of only 12 states that do not limit the length of legislative sessions.

“Prohibiting lame duck sessions by legislators whose terms are about to expire and will not return to office the following year, is an essential reform,” said Sen. Regola.  “In the past, lame duck sessions have been used to vote on volatile or unpopular issues such as tax increases, state borrowing or pay raises.  That practice must stop.”

Nearly a year ago, the Senate approved SB 468, a constitutional amendment sponsored by Senator Regola which would eliminate regular lame duck sessions.  The bill continues to await action in the House State Government Committee.

Senate Bill 468 would allow the legislature to convene if a special session is necessary.  “Whether or not the House acts on Senate Bill 468, we will not convene for a regular lame duck session,” said Sen. Scarnati.  “If some truly extraordinary event necessitates legislative action, we will be ready to act.”

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Contact:  Nate Silcox (717) 787-6063