(The Center Square) — Pennsylvania’s full-time legislature wastes taxpayer money and diminishes public participation, according to a new proposal from state Rep. Stephanie Borowicz.

Pennsylvania’s 253 elected officials — 203 in the House and 50 in the Senate — make over $106,000 annually, second only to New York and California. It’s also just one of 10 states that maintain a full-time legislature. Before 1968, the commonwealth was part-time.

“Such a part-time body would reduce costs, encourage more Pennsylvanians to run for office or advocate before the legislature, and ensure that our work is accomplished in a timely manner with firm constitutional deadlines for adjournment,” said Borowicz, R-Lock Haven.

That’s why, she said, a constitutional amendment to lighten the load should be given to voters to decide. The process is lengthy: amendments must pass in two consecutive legislative sessions, which last two years each, before getting onto the ballot in a general election.

Passing anything, including the overdue state budget, carries less pressure when lawmakers aren’t facing the tighter deadlines of part-time bodies, Borowicz said.

Thirteen Republicans signed onto the bill as cosponsors. They include Joe Hamm, R-84, as well as Reps Scialabba, Stambaugh, Kauffman, Jones, Bernstine, Metzgar, Gillen, Marcell, Gaydos, Walsh, Cutler and Shaffer.

It awaits action in the House State Government Committee.