In the near future, I plan to propose an amendment to the Pennsylvania Constitution (HB 332 from last session) that would limit the length of service for members of the state House and state Senate to a maximum of 12 years in each chamber (six consecutive two-year terms in the House; three consecutive four-year terms in the Senate; any number of terms or partial terms exclusively served in the House or exclusively served in the Senate adding up to 12). Members of the House or Senate who reach the maximum number of years of service in one of the chambers may seek election/re-election to either chamber after a hiatus of four years. Any member who reaches the 12-year maximum in the middle of a term may complete that term.

By setting term limits, my proposed amendment enables Pennsylvania to retain fresh perspectives in government while allowing those members who are elected to focus on public service, not self-service.

I hope you will join me in co-sponsoring this important piece of legislation.