South Central PA News

As the Pennsylvania House of Representatives reaches mid-April with only five voting sessions held in 2023, Representative Paul Schemel (R-Franklin) is advocating for a shift to a part-time legislature.

Schemel points out that "Pennsylvania is one of only a handful of states with a full-time legislature, with salaries for even rank-and-file lawmakers now in the six figures." He emphasizes that "the compensation, per diems and other benefits give us the dubious honor of ranking among the nation’s most expensive legislatures." According to Schemel, there has been no call into session this year for substantive work.

In response, Schemel has reintroduced legislation aimed at reducing legislative salaries to $25,000 annually and compressing session calendars. He notes that his district in southern Franklin County borders Maryland, where "the Maryland General Assembly has already accomplished its work for the entire year." He contrasts this with Pennsylvania's situation, stating that "while almost all other state legislatures in the country have already wrapped up and gone home, Pennsylvania has not even gotten started," which he describes as "a colossal waste of both time and money."

Schemel's proposed House Bill 293 seeks to amend the 1983 Public Official Compensation Law to update salaries and eliminate health care benefits as part of transitioning to a part-time legislature.

For further information or inquiries about this proposal, Representative Paul Schemel can be contacted through media representative Jennifer Fitch at 717.260.6335 or via email at jfitch@pahousegop.com.