Legislature as likely to cut its size as it is to go the other way

Rep. Mark Mustio has a constitutional amendment to reduce the size of the legislature from 203 to 161 members in the House and in the Senate reducing the current 50 to 40 members.  As a constitutional amendment the same bill would have to pass two consecutive sessions then go before the voters to be approved. 

Will the legislature ever vote to reduce their own ranks?  Unlikely.  Reformers could go the other way and double the legislature.  Does 400 House members sound to much?  Well, they would not be the only state legislature to do so as New Hampshire has a body of 400 members, each of whom only make $100 a year. 

Based on a discussion this morning with a state senator, the chances of the House and Senate cutting their members is about the same as its chances of doubling its forces and cutting their pay to $100 a year.  None to none.

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