THE LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS OF SOUTHEASTERN CT

Could a Unicameral Legislature be in Connecticut’s Future?

 By Carol Richards

Special to The Times

          My ears pricked up at a radio announcement earlier this year when State Senator Gary LeBeau, a Democrat from East Hartford, proposed legislation to create a unicameral, or single-chamber, legislature in Connecticut. In common with most states, our constitution calls for the legislature to be comprised of a senate and a house of representatives.

          I have a weakness for an idea as intriguing as a unicameral legislature, having majored in American studies during the turbulent 1960s. My fascination with the political process remains strong and continues to be nourished by membership in the League of Women Voters of Southeastern Connecticut.

          The senator’s proposal seemed particularly timely because of the economic meltdown and the state’s resulting shaky financial future. Here was a way to address skyrocketing deficits and diminished tax revenue by significantly simplifying state government. This would represent, however, a radical departure from the model present in the U.S. Constitution, which in itself arouses skepticism.

          In contrast, Senator LeBeau believes these desperate times offer an opportunity to effect such a sweeping change. In unveiling his proposal, he said, “Now is the time to change the way we do things to make our actions more efficient, more effective and more accountable.” He said taxpayers would save money and also bills could move more efficiently through the legislative process. There would be no blaming the other chamber if a bill passes one and is not taken up by the other. As he said, “Final action would be, indeed, final action.”

          His proposed legislation, Senate Joint Resolution 71 or SJR 71, called for a constitutional amendment that would replace the two-chamber, 187-member body with a single-chamber, 60-member body called the General Assembly. The group would be overseen by a president and a minority leader of the General Assembly.

          Under this amendment, legislators in the 60-member General Assembly would be elected every four years. And, according to LeBeau, “This could allow the 60 representatives to become full time, draw a decent salary and still save the state an appreciable amount of dollars in the salary account.”

          Based on Connecticut’s 2007 census population of 3.5 million people, each of the 60 members would represent 58,400 residents. A reapportionment of Connecticut’s current house and senate districts would be required and SJR 71 proposed that a new commission be appointed to do the redistricting.

          Creating a unicameral legislature represents such wide-ranging changes that it ultimately requires an amendment to the Connecticut Constitution. Passage of a state constitutional amendment first requires that the current legislature, also called the General Assembly, adopt language it deems appropriate. A lengthy period of consideration and overwhelming approval of the Assembly is required, and only then would the proposal be sent to voters for final approval during a November election.

          This proposal would have to attract the interest of legislators in the current state house and senate. This might seem unlikely, given the far-reaching nature of the change, but it could be prompted by widespread support from the electorate. Although it failed to gain traction this year, SJR 71 could yet serve as the opening salvo of a multi-year campaign.

          While the idea of a unicameral legislature might seem too radical, unicameral bodies are found throughout the United States in town councils and boards of education. The Nebraska legislature is unicameral, as are the legislatures in seven countries, including Sweden, Portugal and New Zealand.

          LeBeau’s proposal died in the Government Administration and Elections Committee, where it was unveiled in March. As with the fate of many proposals, it was never brought up for a vote in either house of the General Assembly.

          Had SJR 71 survived to be proposed as an amendment to the state constitution, it may well have been taken up for study by the League of Women Voters of Connecticut. After completing a study, league members hold a consensus discussion to reach an official position. Members then advocate for this position to voters and their state representatives. Thus, membership remains an effective way to have a voice in the exciting innovation and change essential to a vibrant democratic process.

          Carol Richards of Niantic is secretary of the League of Women Voters of Southeastern Connecticut. A non-partisan political organization, the league is open to men and women and encourages active participation in government. Join by calling 860-535-1192.