The branches of government are part of every elementary school student's social studies lessons. You have the executive, judicial and legislative branches, and the legislative branch usually consists of a House of Representatives and a Senate. It's as American as apple pie.
But one Connecticut lawmaker is proposing a major change to tradition.
State Senator Gary LeBeau (D-East Hartford) will testify in support of his bill to remake the Connecticut General Assembly into one single chamber. That means no more Senate and no more House.
LeBeau says the change "would be more efficient, more effective, and more accountable to the people of Connecticut."
"There are games played between the two," LeBeau said. "We in the Senate can say the Senate voted and blame (the death of a bill) on the House. There'd be no more games like that. It would be one house, totally accountable," he told the Connecticut Post.
It would also save money by drastically cutting down on lawmakers.
Right now there are 151 members of the House, and another 36 senators. The single chamber "General Assembly" would have just 60 members, each serving four-year terms.
So what's the downside?
The proposal would require changing the Connecticut Constitution. And it remains to be seen if Connecticut will be willing to take a hit to their wallet's or their egos.
The Government Administration and Elections Committee will hold a public hearing on the bill Monday, the Connecticut Post reports.
