(WHTM) — Pennsylvania’s budget was late, and critics say lawmakers’ accomplishments have been light. Is it time for one of the nation’s most expensive full-time legislatures to go part-time?

Yes, say lawmakers on both sides of the aisle, but don’t hold your breath.

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Rep. Arvind Venkat is a Democratic State representative from Pittsburgh and is also an emergency physician.

“I’ve never seen a patient with a Republican or Democratic heart attack,” said Venkat.

This doc would like to perform surgery on the General Assembly, supporting a bill by Rep. Stephanie Borowicz (R) to make Pennsylvania’s full-time legislature go part-time.

“When we look around the country, the effectiveness of our legislature simply does not rate compared to those that have a part-time legislature with a fixed legislative session,” said Venkat.

This bill would put lawmakers in Harrisburg from January to March, and one of the nation’s most expensive legislatures would be less so.

“I’m happy to co-sponsor a constitutional amendment from colleague with whom I have no agreement except on this issue, because I think Pennsylvanians deserve that credit report,” said Venkat.

Republican State Rep. Seth Grove (R) is not seeking re-election. He used to be a fierce defender of the full-time legislature, but no more.

“This is something I have changed my position on,” said Grove. “I started talking to my colleagues from other states and realized we are in the same amount of session days as part-time legislatures, and they’re getting more done in their three-month, 45-day sessions than we do in a full year.”

A part-time legislature, Grove once believed, and opponents argue, would be bulldozed by full-time staff and special interests.

“Special interests run Harrisburg now, like there’s a difference between special interests running Harrisburg as a full-time or a part-time,” said Grove.

Then there’s financial interests. Lawmakers make at least $106,000; what’s the likelihood that enough of them vote to cut their hours and their pay?

“Slim to none,” said Grove.

The bill was introduced in July and is in committee. There have been no hearings on it. None are scheduled.

Critics note the current session has been one of the least productive in modern history.

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