Less can be more if a plan to cut the size of Pennsylvania's General Assembly is the starting point and not the end of reforms.

State Rep. Mark Mustio and Sen. John Pippy, both Allegheny County Republicans, introduced proposals last year to shrink the largest full-time legislature in the country. Their bills would reduce the number of representatives from 203 to 161 and senators from 50 to 40. The House version also would mandate a 20 percent cut in the Legislature's budget.

This big, bloated body -- which costs $332 million a year -- has not proven its value. Pennsylvania is a laggard in campaign finance reform, it took years to get modern open-records and anti-smoking laws, and property tax reform remains elusive.

Even with high-ranking lawmakers and aides under indictment in the House Democratic caucus, many members are afraid to enact changes in leadership. Yet, according to a study by the National Conference of State Legislatures based on 2005 figures, Pennsylvania ranks first in how much it spends on its legislature as a percentage of the state budget.

Mr. Mustio estimates that cutting one-fifth of the members would save about $60 million, but that's just a first step. He argues that lawmakers who lead by example can better convince other state agencies of the need and feasibility of cutting back.

Proposals to shrink the Legislature are hardy perennials, popping up like dandelions only to be uprooted by claims that constituents would suffer. The argument is that, with fewer representatives, citizens won't get the help they need from their legislators. But this proposal doesn't cut that deeply.

The number of constituents in each House district would be about 77,000, compared to 61,000 today. Nine other states, including Ohio, New York and New Jersey, have districts that are larger. In the Senate, where each member would represent 310,000 constituents, versus 249,000 now, four states have larger districts and New York's is about the same.

Another reason larger districts are feasible is modern technology. With Web sites, e-mail and faxing, government -- like business -- can handle questions and requests for information more efficiently than in the past.

Downsizing cannot happen quickly -- changing the state constitution requires passage by the Legislature in two consecutive sessions and then voter approval. But it won't ever happen if it doesn't start soon. Rep. Mustio and Sen. Pippy should keep pushing.