Pennsylvania has the largest full-time state legislature in the country, with 253 well-compensated state representatives and senators. Yet it has been unable to fulfill one of its primary missions: passing a state budget.

The budget impasse between the Democrats and Republicans is now in its 105th day, with no end in sight.

Is it time to shrink the size of the legislature?

Pennsylvania's State Capitol boasts a magnificent chamber of chandeliered ceilings and marble walls topped by murals depicting Pennsylvania's rich history, the home away from home for 203 state representatives from all four corners of the Commonwealth.

To run the splendid chamber and the 50-member state Senate down the hall, it costs the taxpayers more $400 million a year.

That means each lawmaker gets a base salary

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