Three years ago today, lawmakers gave themselves that infamous pay raise that ignited a firestorm of controversy. A coalition of reformers decided to meet today to raise awareness that promises made have not been promises paid.
"In the 2007-2008 session, there's been one law enacted to improve public integrity - one," said Tim Potts of Democracy Rising PA.
Critics say that single law is a watered-down open records law. Bills on redistricting, legislature size, term limits, election and campaign finance reform still languish in committee.
"We're doing our best to hold their feet to the fire, but citizens have to go out there and really go after the legislature, because the legislature is doing nothing basically," said political activist Gene Stilp.
Senator Pat Vance admitted that more reform is needed, and pointed out that reform bills have passed the Senate only to stall in the House.
"I have been surprised by some of the new members who were elected on reform (who) have been willing to go along to get along," said Vance. "That has surprised me more than anything."
Perhaps most surprising is that there is still no law banning bonuses, even as the attorney general is reportedly about to hand down indictments for illegal bonuses.
Reformers hope that the indictments will reinvigorate the reform movement.
"When people see what has gone on here the past couple years, and what went on with 'Bonusgate,' that will blow the lid off this building and force these legislators to ask, and they'll be scrambling to make these reforms," said Stilp.
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