House Committee approves bill to reform process of electing Lieutenant Governor

HARRISBURG – The House State Government Committee has approved bipartisan legislation to amend the state constitution to change how the lieutenant governor is selected in Pennsylvania, according to Senator David G. Argall (R-Schuylkill/Berks).

Senate Bill 133 amends the state’s constitution to permit candidates for governor to choose their lieutenant governor candidate after the primary election – a process that mirrors how presidential candidates currently select their vice presidential running mates.

“In the past, we have seen the governor’s top leadership team at the state capitol separate into two warring factions that didn’t even talk to one another,” said Senator Argall, the primary sponsor of the bill. “If we want to succeed in Pennsylvania, then the Commonwealth’s top two executive officials need to see eye-to-eye on the issues and not get distracted by petty rivalries.”

The bill now moves to the floor of the House of Representatives. If approved by that chamber, it will again be voted on by both chambers during the 2021-2022 Legislative Session. In Pennsylvania, constitutional amendments such as Senate Bill 133 must be approved during two consecutive sessions of the General Assembly before they are finally approved by the voters.  The bill passed the Senate by a 46-2 vote earlier this year.

 

Contact: Joshua J. Paul
717.787.2637

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