State Rep. Perry A. Stambaugh | Pennsylvania 86th Legislative District
State Rep. Perry A. Stambaugh | Pennsylvania 86th Legislative District
Various bills proposed by Representative Perry Stambaugh have been drawing attention across Pennsylvania. This week, he plans to introduce a measure for the state Legislative Budget and Finance Committee (LBFC) to evaluate the potential benefits and drawbacks of reverting Pennsylvania's legislature to part-time status.
The LBFC report would explore how a part-time legislature could be structured if a constitutional amendment were passed by both the state House and Senate in successive sessions and subsequently ratified by voters. "Before the PA Constitution adopted in 1968 authorized a full-time legislature, the PA General Assembly only met to handle the budget during even-numbered years, and to do other lawmaking in odd years," Stambaugh noted.
Currently, Pennsylvania is one of four states with a full-time, well-paid, professionally staffed legislature. In contrast, most states operate on a part-time model. Maryland’s General Assembly meets no more than 90 consecutive days per year with lawmakers earning $65,000 on average. Texas convenes for 140 days every other year with legislators receiving $7,200 annually plus per diem allowances.
While some focus on how shifting to part time might affect salaries, Stambaugh argues that such a change could reduce costs associated with benefits and perks not mandated by the state constitution. "It’s no coincidence that lobbying firms maintain their most significant presence in the few states with full-time legislatures," he remarked.
Despite weeks-long recesses and limited voting days currently observed by the General Assembly, legislative work could potentially be condensed into shorter annual sessions. However, concerns remain about power being concentrated among full-time House staff regardless of whether legislators are full or part time.
Stambaugh acknowledges that being a lawmaker is demanding but believes transitioning to part time might attract professionals seeking public service without pursuing long-term political careers. He also supports term limits as another reform measure.
Prior to 1968, many Pennsylvanians served temporarily in the legislature while maintaining other employment. Stambaugh suggests this approach could again draw diverse candidates willing to contribute their expertise without relying on legislative roles as primary income sources.
Representative Perry Stambaugh serves Pennsylvania's 86th District. For media inquiries contact Jennifer Fitch at 717-260-6563.
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