What the State Legislature Didn't Get Done

With the summer adjournment arriving in Harrisburg our state Senators and Representatives are returning home today satisfied about their work. A lot of very important business was conducted: English is our official language, workers at small businesses won't get fair wages, marriage was protected, lobbyists weren't regulated, and those remaining legislators still on the ballot in November can rest easily knowing there continue to be no limits on campaign contributions.

Yes, it was a very productive session, cough, cough. Voters were pandered to. Modest school property tax reform was finally passed. A minimum wage increase for most workers was enacted. But when your incumbent Representative or Senator knocks on your door to ask for your vote ask them these questions?

--Why did you fail to pass real lobbying reform? By real we mean the prompt (within 30 days) of any contribution over $50 or any gift or travel exceeding that amount. If anything of value is provided within ten days of a vote affecting a lobbyists' client that information must be posted on the internet immediately.

--Why didn't you pass real campaign finance reform? The ideal scenario here would be a Clean Elections law to remove most money from the political arena but we'll settle for something as simple as firm caps on the amount donors can give to campaigns and candidates. There also must be stronger language about the disclosure of all contributions. Also, make all contributions reportable not only those over $50.

--Why did you spend all your time dealing with those other issues instead of these?

See if you get any straight answers.