Gaydos Supports Constitutional Amendments,

HARRISBURG – Rep. Valerie Gaydos (R-Allegheny) today voted with a majority of her House and Senate colleagues to advance proposed constitutional amendments outlined in Senate Bill 106 which would let the voters – not the politicians – decide on several very important issues in the Commonwealth.

View Rep. Gaydos’ comments on Senate Bill 106 here.

“It is imperative that power must be restored back to the people and enable them to make the decision on issues such as how elections should be conducted in Pennsylvania and how their tax dollars should be spent,” Gaydos said.

The first measure in Senate Bill 106 would seek to amend the Constitution to expand the state’s current voter ID rules by requiring all voters to present valid identification each time they cast their ballot regardless of whether they are voting by mail or in person. Surveys have demonstrated that requiring voter identification is supported across party lines by most Pennsylvanians and as such voters should be able to decide for themselves.

Another proposed constitutional amendment would allow a governor candidate to select a running mate for lieutenant governor, similar to the way a presidential candidate selects his or her running mate. If the voters approve it would establish greater unity between the governor and lieutenant governor, thereby strengthening the ticket for both parties.

In addition, this bill includes a proposed constitutional amendment that would require comprehensive auditing of elections by the state auditor general to include the administration of elections, certification of election machines, the accuracy of the list of registered voters, the administration of voter registration and election results, and many of the recommendations that were found in the former Democrat auditor general’s 2019 Election Audit which had revealed many flaws and inconsistencies that could threaten free and fair elections and which still need corrected.

Another proposed amendment aims to better restore the balance of power between the legislative and executive branches of state government. This would solidify checks and balances and strengthen citizens voices.

The final proposed constitutional amendment would allow voters to directly decide if taxpayer dollars should be used to fund elective abortions. The proposal would not change current law. It simply asks the voter - not politicians- to decide how their tax dollars should be used.

In order to amend the Constitution, the proposals must be passed in identical form in two consecutive legislative sessions prior to being placed on the ballot for voters to have the final say. This is the first time each of the proposals has been approved by both the House and Senate.

“Last year the people made the decision to self-govern when they voted via referendum to stop the shutdowns due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Senate Bill 106 simply gives voters a chance to vote on additional issues. I trust our voters who are perfectly able to decide on these important topics.”

Representative Valerie Gaydos
44th Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Rick Leiner
717.260.6437
rleiner@pahousegop.com
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