|
For Immediate
Release
4/9/08
Contact:
Donald Houser
(717) 787-1377
Corman's Constitution Change That Alters
Lieutenant Governor Succession Rule Clears Senate
(HARRISBURG) – Yesterday the State Senate passed legislation written by Sen.
Jake Corman (R-34) that would amend the state constitution to change the
Lieutenant Governor succession rule.
Corman's legislation, Senate Bill 822, would allow a lieutenant governor who
assumes the governorship to name a new Lieutenant Governor. That nominee would
have to be confirmed by the Senate.
Corman said the change is needed and became a necessity after former Governor
Tom Ridge resigned to become director of the United States Homeland Security
Department in 2001.
Then-Lt. Gov. Mark Schweiker became governor, and then-Senate President Pro
Tempore Robert C. Jubelirer, became the lieutenant governor. Then-Lt.
Governor Jubelirer continued to serve as a state Senator during the term.
Even though the Pennsylvania Supreme Court found no violation of the
constitution or law with Lt. Governor Jubelirer serving as both Lieutenant
Governor and state Senator, Corman sought a change in the Pennsylvania
constitution.
Corman's legislation, which would lead to a constitutional amendment, would
have Pennsylvania's process mirror that of the federal government in cases when
there is a vacancy in the office of Vice President.
"I believe that in cases of a vacancy of Lieutenant Governor, the sitting
Governor should have the ability to pick his or her Lieutenant Governor, just as
the President of the United States has that right," Corman said. "I also
believe that a state Senator should not be serving as both a state Senator and
Lieutenant Governor as our current system provides. Ultimately, I hope the
people of Pennsylvania will have the opportunity to vote on this important
change to our constitution."
Constitutional amendments must pass both chambers in two consecutive
sessions, then go before voters in a referendum.
Senate Bill 822 is now before the House for consideration.
Additional Information:
Reform
 Print this page
E-mail
this page
Back |
