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State Rep. Rob Kauffman, R-Scotland, said he wouldn't allow bills "like that" out of the committee he chairs. "That" bill would allow police officers to use extreme risk protection orders to secure guns if a person poses a danger to themselves or others. Eighty percent of Pennsylvanians support these "red flag" laws.
How can one man stop a bill with broad bipartisan support? Why are 252 legislators prevented from representing their Districts? Why are there no public hearings on legislation Pennsylvanians want?
Harrisburg is broken.
Committee chairs can, at their discretion, allow bills to die in committee, move them to other committees, or not allow discussion or votes. That's why Pennsylvania's full-time legislature, one of the largest and highest paid in the country, ranks 45th for passing legislation. (Taxpayers shell out $51 million yearly on legislator perks.)
These obstructionist "rules" are not law, nor are they in the state Constitution. Party leadership passes the rules that, in my opinion, handicap our government every session. These men, each elected by less than 5% of Pennsylvanians, control Harrisburg. One frustrated representative says he has as much power as a paperweight.
Whatever bills you support (be it school funding, lead exposure amelioration, red flag laws, legislator gift bans), your legislator is blocked from doing anything to pass them.
If you're outraged by this brazen undemocratic scheme, sign the #FixHarrisburg petition (bipartisan bills should get a vote!), and let your legislator know you're watching! Pennsylvania has many problems only government can solve.
Help fix Harrisburg!
WILLEM VAN DEN BERG
Howard
Submitted by Virtual Newsroom