Robbins: Senate Votes, Debates Available for Online Viewing

Reports on Senate Lobbyist Activity Also Posted on Internet

Harrisburg – Citizens who want to view State Senate votes on legislation, read debate transcripts or see who is lobbying the Senate, can do so via the Internet, Senator Bob Robbins (R-50) said today.

The Senate now posts Senate Journals on the Internet, making all Senate debates and roll call votes accessible. This information is available on the Senate's home page at www.pasen.gov (listed under "Senate Information") or via a link on Senator Robbins' home page at www.senatorrobbins.com.

Robbins said it typically takes about a month to compile, publish and post a Senate Journal online. As such, he is sponsoring legislation that would require the posting of all Senate and House votes online immediately after they are recorded.

"Senate Bill 1099 would make the information we now provide online available in a more timely manner. Not only that, but it would allow citizens to search for votes taken by a member of the Senate or House of Representatives," said Robbins.

Robbins noted that lobbyist expense reports collected by the Senate are also available online. Citizens can check to see who is lobbying, who individuals are representing, and how they are spending their money. The lobbyist disclosure reports can also be found at www.pasen.gov (listed under "Topics of Special Interest") or via a link on Senator Robbins' home page at www.senatorrobbins.com.

"Technology has reached the point where we can open up the legislative process like never before. I urge citizens to take advantage of these new opportunities to track votes, debates and lobbyist activities. In the meantime, I will continue to push to make state government more open, and accessible," said Robbins.

CONTACT:

Nate Silcox
(717) 787-1322