It's not often that Common Cause, the good-government group based in Harrisburg, has something positive to say about state lawmakers' actions. But last week, Common Cause endorsed a proposal by state Sen. Vincent J. Fumo, D-Philadelphia, to make the state legislature more transparent and legislators more accountable.

Fumo's proposal is aimed at ending what's been called stealth legislation — exemplified recently as the July 7 pay-raise hike and before that, the slots legislation, both late night surprises.

Clearly feeling the heat of voters' ire over the 2 a.m. pay-raise boost with no advance notification and no debate as well as the subsequent constitution-defying use of unvouchered expenses, some lawmakers in Harrisburg are scrambling to reform — and in the process help their chances for re-election.

While it's encouraging to see a legislative leader like Fumo step forward with overdue reform measures, voters could also ask why Fumo, who has served in the Senate for 28 years, didn't see the need for legislative reform until now.

The answer is clear, but the question should still be asked.

The reform movement hastily taking shape in Harrisburg is the result of lawmakers recognizing the extraordinary voter anger that resulted in the November rejection of state Supreme Court Justice Russell M. Nigro's retention election. Lawmakers facing re-election next year and Supreme Court judges facing future retention votes have taken notice of voter anger — and see their job security threatened. The arrogance displayed by state lawmakers and their clear disregard for voters' concerns — as well as the state constitution — helped trigger the voter anger and activism that has grown since the mid-summer pay-raise vote.

Common Cause, a non-profit, non-partisan citizens' lobby group with offices in 38 states, endorses Fumo's proposals. It's a sign of change, since just a few months ago, Pennsylvania Common Cause was among the groups filing a lawsuit in federal court seeking to strike down the controversial pay raise vote.

Last week, however, Common Cause commended Fumo for "recognizing that a tipping point in government integrity and effectiveness had been reached." Again, it must be noted that few lawmakers, and none in leadership — including Fumo, appeared to be worried about government integrity until the fallout from the pay-raise vote had them worried about re-election.

Among the measures proposed by Fumo is a requirement that there be a 72-hour "cooling off period" between approval of amendments to a bill and final passage. This would allow lawmakers to actually read and understand the changes to a bill before voting on final passage.

Another provision in Fumo's package would require a public hearing on a final version of any bill if requested by more than 10 percent of lawmakers in the House or Senate. Another proposal would mandate that all amendments be printed and posted at least 24 hours before a final vote is taken.

The hope is that all of these changes, which require passage in two successive legislative sessions and also voter approval, will prevent overnight surprises like the pay-raise vote and the slot machines gambling law.

If Pennsylvania's lawmakers would just obey the spirit and letter of the constitution, such changes would not be necessary. Voter anger and threats of incumbent defeats is apparently what it takes to change the way Harrisburg does business and force lawmakers to be more accountable. If Fumo's proposals can be moved forward, additional reforms such as reducing the size of the legislature itself and term limits for lawmakers also should be explored.

The controversial July 7 pay-raise vote awakened voters and the momentum for change must be maintained.

— J.L.W.III