Single subject legislation

[LaraK]

I was having a conversation today with some co-workers about this horrible "stimulus" package. One thing we universally agreed on (no matter what the political bent) was that politicians have to stop stuffing legislation full of things that aren't the intent of the bill and then have a straight up or down vote. One of the people mentioned that in my state they can only pass single subject legislation. You can not make it a laundry list of projects. The only multi-issue bill is the budget and that's introduced early in the session and is one of the last things to be voted on.

What do you think? Should the feds have a similar standard? No passing a stimulus bill with healthcare changes embedded in the package. No pork in laws passed about bailouts. No hiding rule changes about tort law in children's health plans.

 

[okeydokey]

I think this would make a world a difference. So much of the time the inserts are done at the last minute and the members don't even know all of what they are voting on.

 

[JCJRSmith]

Isn't is sickening? The sad thing about all the pork is, taken individually, these addons have about as much chance of survival standing on their own as a fart in a hurricaine.

"So, Politician A, you want my vote for your package? Great, include my rider and we will both vote for both at the same time. What's that you say? You don't like my rider? You still want my vote, right?"

 

[Laurabearz]

I was having a conversation today with some co-workers about this horrible "stimulus" package. One thing we universally agreed on (no matter what the political bent) was that politicians have to stop stuffing legislation full of things that aren't the intent of the bill and then have a straight up or down vote. One of the people mentioned that in my state they can only pass single subject legislation. You can not make it a laundry list of projects. The only multi-issue bill is the budget and that's introduced early in the session and is one of the last things to be voted on.

What do you think? Should the feds have a similar standard? No passing a stimulus bill with healthcare changes embedded in the package. No pork in laws passed about bailouts. No hiding rule changes about tort law in children's health plans.

I agree.

 

[JR6ooo4]

Mikeeee

 

[MNFootballMommy]

I agree. I am often angered when the media is tooting about how they can't believe one group or another 'shot down' this important piece of legislation when more often than not, it is the added crap that killed the bill, not the primary purpose. Nothing is ever straight forward in government.

I would LOVE to see some 'single subject' legislation for a change.

 

[Charade]

Or.... line item veto. But I like this idea too.

 

[Golf4food]

Or.... line item veto. But I like this idea too.

Line item not so necessary with a single subject rule.

I am 100000000000000000% in favor.

Calling the current bill a "stimulus package" or "economic recovery package" is a gross mistatement of the truth that it is 60% appropriations, 35% welfare, and maybe 5% actual economic stimulus...