Down with the Senate?

Rep. Rich Grucela introduced a measure to eliminate the Pennsylvania Senate. Pennsylvania has functioned under a bi-cameral legislature since 1790, but Rep. Grucela is frustrated with a cumbersome process prolonged by legislator's efforts to "get the credit".

"A decade in Harrisburg has taught me if you're going to only elect half of us, we'll get much more done. Maybe we can stop the nonsensical business of trading off and making deals between the House and Senate leaders."

While abolishing the senate could definitely help the Commonwealth close the 281 million dollar gap in tax revenue, meaningful reform does not reduce the checks and balances on our government. Eradicating one government institution will not guarentee the efficicency of another branch. Besides voter frustration with lawmakers doesn’t come from the feeling that they lack concentrated power.

If politicians are really fed up with the current system why not pass reform legislation to combat the abuse of power? Better yet, why not let the people work out solutions through a constitutional convention? I'll tell you why, because introducing bogus legislation is much easier than attempting to pass substantial reforms, especially in the house.