By KWGS News/Hear Banz discuss his bill:
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/kwgs/local-kwgs-987596.mp3
Oklahoma City, OK – Reducing the size of the Oklahoma Legislature by 10 percent would save over $1 million annually, according to information presented at a legislative study today.
"We constantly talk about the need to downsize government," said state Rep. Gary Banz, R-Midwest City. "I believe this proposal will allow lawmakers to prove their commitment to smaller government in a way that makes sense and generates real taxpayer savings."
Banz plans to amend his House Joint Resolution 1021 in the 2012 session to give voters the opportunity to approve a constitutional amendment reducing the Oklahoma Legislature by approximately 10 percent. That would cut the number of seats in the Oklahoma House of Representatives from 101 to 91, and reduce the number of state senators from 48 to 43.
That change would reduce legislative expenses by an estimated $1.2 million annually, according to projections.
"There are two fundamental questions that need to be addressed as part of this discussion," Banz said. "Can we afford to continue the current system, and can we trust the voters to make this decision?"
If approved by voters in November 2012, the change would be implemented in 2021 following the next Census and redistricting process.