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FOR IMMEDIATE
RELEASE Senate Majority Policy Committee Holds Hearing on Term Limits Harrisburg – The Senate Majority Policy Committee, chaired by Sen. Ted Erickson (R-26), held a public hearing today on legislative term limits. The Committee heard from Jennifer Drage Bowser of the National Conference of State Legislatures, who provided the members with a history and status of legislative term limits in other states, including court decisions and efforts to repeal existing laws. In addition, she summarized some of the effects of term limits on legislative leadership positions, committee chairmanships, staff and lobbyist influence, and collegiality among members. According to Ms. Bowser, "Proponents thought term limits would create legislatures that were more responsive, less beholden to special interests, more representative of the people they serve, and more efficient. Opponents thought term limits would render legislatures ineffective and empower lobbyists and staff at the expense of legislators. Neither side was right, and the truth lies somewhere in the middle." In addition to overall legislative term limits, there was also discussion on establishing term limits for legislative leadership positions and committee chairmanships. Sen. John Eichelberger (R-30), sponsor of Senate Bill 1304, which would amend the Pennsylvania Constitution to implement legislative term limits, also presented testimony to the committee. "Term limits would help to create a better legislative process in Pennsylvania," said Eichelberger. "Either through a constitutional amendment to change the way we elect members of our General Assembly or by the adoption of new rules in the Senate and House limiting the tenure of leadership positions, this issue must move forward." Twenty-one states have enacted term limits for legislators, but the laws have been repealed or found unconstitutional in six of those states. Video of the hearing, as well as testimony and related information, are available at www.senatorerickson.com at the "Senate Majority Policy Committee" link. CONTACT: Michele Hansarick
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