Taylor will seek ban on legislative bonuses

Republicans had hardly begun criticizing him for his possible, if indirect, connection to the infamous "Bonusgate" scandal when state Rep. Rick Taylor (D-Ambler) settled on a way to try and silence the critics: through legislation.

Taylor said Tuesday that he would introduce legislation to permanently ban bonuses to legislative staffers, a move that may not make him as popular with his employees as with voters.

"Like every other taxpayer in Pennsylvania, I was shocked, outraged and deeply saddened after reviewing the initial findings of the attorney general's investigation into the awarding of bonuses in the state legislature," Taylor said in a statement. "Now, more than ever, it is clear that to achieve true reform in Harrisburg we must create a transparent and open government while eliminating those practices which are most susceptible to abuse.

"The arbitrary awarding of financial bonuses is, sadly and unmistakably, one such practice," he added.

Taylor faces a reelection fight against Montgomery County Assistant District Attorney Todd Stephens in the 151st Legislative District.