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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 31, 2009
CONTACT: Owen Thomas
(717) 787-3076
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Senator Vogel Announces Legislation to Reduce the Size of the Legislature

Fulfilling a campaign pledge, Senator Elder Vogel Jr. (R-47) announced today he has introduced legislation aimed at reducing the size of the Pennsylvania legislature.

"When I ran for office, one constant message I heard from voters was that the size and scope of the Pennsylvania General Assembly was far too large and wasted too much taxpayer money," Senator Vogel said.  "My legislation calls for a 40% reduction in the size of the legislature, saving taxpayers millions."

Under Senator Vogel's legislation – Senate Bill 684, the Senate would be reduced from 50 seats to 30 seats, and the House of Representatives would be reduced from to 203 seats to 121 seats.  Utilizing Fiscal Year 2008-2009 Commonwealth Budget figures, Senate Bill 684 would save the citizens of the Commonwealth $117.5 million dollars.

"One only has to look at the size of government, whether it be state, local, federal - to realize we need less government, not more," Vogel said.

Senate Bill 684 is cosponsored by Senators Erickson, Folmer, Brubaker, Robbins, Piccola, Earll, Browne, D. White, O'Pake, Pippy, Tomlinson and Boscola.