A bill geared toward reducing the Pennsylvania House of Representatives' membership from 203 to 153 was passed by the House State Government Committee Tuesday.

The prime sponsor of House Bill 153 is House Speaker Sam Smith, R-Jefferson.

The bill passed in the State Government Committee by a 16-8 vote. State Rep. Greg Vitali, D-166, of Haverford, was one of the committee members to vote against the bill.

"The problem with reducing the number of legislators is you increase the amount of people each legislator represents," said Vitali.

Vitali explained that constituents would have less one-on-one contact with legislators under this proposal. He said that if the goal is to reduce costs, it might be worth looking at a reduction in legislative staff rather than legislators.

The bill has now been sent to the House floor for consideration, although there is no word yet about when a vote will take place.

The bill would not change the 50-member Senate.

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As a resident of Delco, do you believe this is a good idea?

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On another note ...

U.S. Rep. Pat Meehan, R-7, of Upper Darby,announced that he will present the Federal Law Enforcement Congressional Badge of Bravery to Upper Darby Police Officer Raymond Blohm III at 6 p.m. Thursday at the county courthouse. Meehan, a former U.S. Attorney and Delco district attorney, will present the badge to Blohm with United States Attorney Zane David Memeger.