Comments on: Would limits on number of bills improve Legislature’s work?

By: Diane Robertson

Diane Robertson — Thu, 15 Mar 2012 21:44:00 +0000

It seems like a good idea to me because as I sat in on several committee meetings this past session, I could tell that the legislatures had not read all of the bills, and really had to rely on other people’s opinions. It is nice that there are lots of lobbiers, but I wouldn’t want to be a legislature just because I know that it would be impossible to do all of the study and research required to feel good about a decision on each bill.

By: Diane Robertson

Diane Robertson — Thu, 15 Mar 2012 21:44:00 +0000

By: Matthew Piccolo

Matthew Piccolo — Thu, 15 Mar 2012 19:03:00 +0000

Thanks for your thoughts, Laura, very good points. Your idea of having three 15 day sessions is intriguing. However, I do wonder if having three sessions would result in as much, or even more, legislation as legislators would try to cram in as much as possible during the final day or two of each session. But maybe not.

By: Matthew Piccolo

Matthew Piccolo — Thu, 15 Mar 2012 19:03:00 +0000

By: Laura M. Warburton

Laura M. Warburton — Thu, 15 Mar 2012 18:15:00 +0000

Any time I hear ‘limit’ in the political process, my eyes start burning. I would no sooner limit bills than I would limit terms. Both would be telling the citizens what they can and cannot do. Representatives are still citizens. Most of us forget they are even human, but they are; human and citizens.

There is no doubt the vortex created by our 45 day session needs a vent to relieve pressure. What is the most effective, fair, constitutional solution?

What do most American’s do all year long with their diet? They worry, try, withhold, join gyms, etc and so forth. What do they do from the third Thursday in November till January 1st? Gorge! They’ve denied themselves all year long and then they just go crazy. They tell themselves they only have a month or so to let themselves freely partake. Is that healthy? No! Wouldn’t it be better to eat a turkey dinner once a month and have pie every now and then, instead? I think so!

All year long, legislators and citizens chomp at the bit waiting, hoping for change by way of a 45 day process. It exhausts everyone involved. We gorge on legislation.

I think a much better solution is to pass bills all year long. Spacing it out into three sessions of 15 days each might work. Ultimately, I believe a smooth consistent process is the answer. The variables are numerous as are the consequences. A committee study would be very beneficial. I hope to see that soon because something needs to change.

By: Laura M. Warburton

Laura M. Warburton — Thu, 15 Mar 2012 18:15:00 +0000

There is no doubt the vortex created by our 45 day session needs a vent to relieve pressure. What is the most effective, fair, constitutional solution?

All year long, legislators and citizens chomp at the bit waiting, hoping for change by way of a 45 day process. It exhausts everyone involved. We gorge on legislation.