The Solution:
Rules that allow votes on bipartisan solutions and give all legislators in the legislative agenda
In 2018 a group of current and former legislators spoke at a Fair Districts PA conference about the impact of unfair legislative rules and ways to move toward more effective governance.
Specific changes
Here's what we're asking of PA legislators:
We need rules that guarantee bipartisan solutions can receive a vote. These rules would ensure every legislator has the ability to play a meaningful role in deciding what bills are enacted.
Bills with demonstrated bipartisan support must be guaranteed a vote in committee.
Bills voted out of committee with bipartisan support must be guaranteed a vote on the chamber floor.
Bills passed in one chamber with bipartisan support should be given consideration in the other chamber.
Other states have found ways to encourage collaboration
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Best Practices for Collaborative Policymaking, Fair Vote and the Bipartisan Policy Center, 2015
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State Legislative Policymaking in an Age of Political Polarization, National council of State Legislatures, 2018
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Rules and Procedures in the U.S. House of Representatives: A Look at Reform Efforts and State Best Practices, US House of Representatives Select Committee on the Modernization of Congress, 2019​
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