State Government Committee Takes on Corruption, Grove Announces

July 27, 2021

HARRISBURG - Citing recent headline-grabbing events of legislators and other elected officials being indicted, charged or convicted of crimes, House State Government Committee Chairman Seth Grove (R-York) has announced a series of hearings or research meetings to review the Ethics Act, Pension Forfeiture Law, legislative auto leasing/insuring and legislative per diems rules.

“As recent as last week, a sitting House member became a former member because she was indicted,” Grove said. “Theft by deception, theft from charity, accepting cash for a voting understanding, using state staff or state resources for campaign purposes, conspiracy, and fraud are just some of the reasons legislators have been charged over the past few years. What can we do legislatively to protect taxpayers and constituents?”

As chairman of the State Government Committee, Grove assigned the Subcommittee on Government Integrity and Transparency, chaired by Rep. Paul Schemel (R-Franklin), to review the Ethics Act and legislative per diem process.

Grove also assigned the Subcommittee on Public Pensions, Benefits and Risk Management, chaired by Rep. Brett Miller (R-Lancaster), to review the Pension Forfeiture Law.

Finally, Grove assigned the Subcommittee on Campaign Finance and Elections, chaired by Rep. Ryan Mackenzie (R-Berks/Lehigh), to review Speaker of the House Bryan Cutler’s Lobbying Disclosure Act package of legislation.

“There is no excuse – ever, for an elected official, let alone a member of the General Assembly to step over the line of the law. The State House Government Committee will review the current laws and procedures to make recommendations on how we can further discourage this behavior that erodes public confidence,” Gove said.

Representative Seth Grove
196th District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Greg Gross
717.260.6374
ggross@pahousegop.com
RepGrove.com / Facebook.com/RepSethGrove