An Oklahoma Senator wants to change the way the state is governed.
Sen. Patrick Anderson has filed legislation that would allow Oklahoma voters to reduce the size of the Legislature by 101 members.  Senate Joint Resolution 43 would send to a vote of the people a constitutional amendment creating a unicameral Legislature consisting of 48 legislators.
That would mean changing from a senate and house of representatives to a single body for all lawmaking.
Anderson claims transitioning to a unicameral Legislature would reduce costs, while providing increased transparency and procedural openness. "The Nebraska Legislature has operated as a unicameral body with just 49 legislators since 1937,"Anderson said.  
He says the current form of government, also know, as a bicameral Legislature, is costly, inefficient and unnecessary.
“We are asking all of our state agencies to make cuts and reduce costs,” said Anderson, R-Enid.  “As lawmakers, we should reserve the same scrutiny for our own process.  Why not lead by example and eliminate the unnecessary expenses that exist in the Legislature?”
Anderson said his proposal would generate savings greater than $16.5 million annually.
“Although the Oklahoma Legislature is a bicameral body, both chambers perform identical functions,” Anderson said.  “As a result, the legislative process is unduly burdensome and extremely costly to the taxpayers.”