The LWVPA is calling on citizens to tell their state representatives to reject the package of constitutional amendments adopted by the state Senate. The House must pass the package by Jan. 27 to get the amendments on the May 21 Primary Election Ballot.
The Republican-controlled Senate is using a special session -- called by outgoing Gov. Tom Wolf to enact a popular proposed amendment giving sexual abuse victims a two-year window to bring suits against their attackers -- to include two other proposed amendments regarding voter ID and disapproval of executive branch regulations on the primary ballot as well.
That enables only a small percentage of voters -- those who customarily turn out for the Democratic of Republican primary election -- to decide important constitutional issues and forces legislators who support the sexual abuse amendment to nonetheless vote against the package.
Here is the League of Women Voters of Pennsylvania's statement in full: LWVPA is deeply concerned by the Pennsylvania Senate’s efforts to force through constitutional amendments during a special session of the legislature this week.
On Monday, a special session was called by Governor Wolf and Speaker Mark Rozzi to focus on a proposed constitutional amendment to provide a two-year window to revive child sex abuse claims.
On Tuesday, the Senate Rules Committee abruptly added two unrelated amendments to the package for consideration. One would enforce a stricter voter ID policy that would disenfranchise thousands of Pennsylvania voters, and the other would end the Governor’s ability to veto the General Assembly’s disapproval of a regulation, disrupting the balance of power between branches of government.
On Wednesday, the Pennsylvania Senate passed the package of three constitutional amendments. The process included zero public input or opportunity to observe proceedings.
The League opposes this amendment package for several reasons. First, these amendments should have been handled individually. In particular, the Voter ID issue should be resolved via legislation.
It is especially disturbing that the matter of child sexual abuse is being politicized to push through other controversial matters that may not pass on their own. The constitutional amendment to address abuse claims has broad bipartisan support, yet the Senate Rules Committee held the issue hostage to promote a partisan agenda.
Finally, there has been no transparency or notice for these amendments, and no meaningful opportunity for the public to participate in the proposal process. This is an abuse of power which threatens to erode our democratic and legislative structure.
While it's deeply disappointing that the two-year window for victim justice was coupled with divisive reforms, it still needs to pass the PA House of Representatives before it is posed to voters. The League of Women Voters will closely monitor this amendment package and encourages voters to do the same.
Contact your lawmaker to let them know you oppose partisan changes to our election and regulatory systems.