Issue Position: Government Reform

Issue Position

Steve Barrar's not your typical politician, and he's not afraid to rock the boat or challenge the powers that be. In 2005 after a series of embarrassments by the General Assembly, Steve backed changes to the long-standing legislative power structure that reduced the power of party leaders and committee chairmen. The changes took power out of the hands of a few key powerbrokers, providing rank and file members of the House the ability to have their amendments and bills considered.
Reforming PA State Government
Government Reform
Steve supported the Jefferson Reform Initiative to change the way legislation is passed in a fair and open process so members and citizens have an appropriate amount of time to review bills before they were voted on. Many of these ideas were adopted as part of the House Rules that have opened up the legislative process to greater public scrutiny.
As the result of Steve's support and other reformers efforts, legislation can no longer be voted on after 11 pm at night, ensuring the actions of the House are open to the light of day and no "midnight deals" can be snuck through. Bills must be voted on at least 24 hours after they are last amended, providing members with the opportunity to read and review legislation that they are voting on for final passage. And the old "gut and run" amendment process (the total re-write of a bill) by the powerful Rules committee and Appropriations committee was eliminated. All of these changes have resulted in a more deliberative lawmaking process that allows the press and public the ability to better understand and track the movement of legislation.
Barrar also supported the passage of a Lobbyist Disclosure law and Open Records legislation. As a result, Pennsylvania now has one of the best Open Records Law in the nation. Steve offered amendments to gaming reform bills that would make it illegal for members of the General Assembly to accept campaign contributions from the casino industry.
He has fought for the past couple of years to prevent taxpayer dollars from being given to corrupt organization like ACORN. His efforts along with other legislators around the country has lead to the collapse of this organization that is best know for numerous incidents of voter registration fraud and election fraud.
Steve Barrar is the only elected official to go after the New Black Panthers for their illegal activities during the 2008 election. Charges were file by the U.S. Justice Department in 2009 and mysteriously dropped later that year by the very same Justice Department. Barrar has called for the reinstatement of these charges by the D.O.J. and an investigation by the State Attorney General. This situation must not be allowed to happen ever again in this commonwealth or this country. No voter should ever feel intimidated when going to exercise their right to vote.
While much has been accomplished, Steve realizes much more needs to be done to restore the confidence of people in their elected officials and government and with your support in November, he will continue to fight for common sense reforms, increased openness and transparency, and against corrupt organizations.

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