Jun. 26, 2024
HARRISBURG – House Republican Leader Bryan Cutler (R-Lancaster) announced Wednesday his intention to introduce legislation prohibiting state agencies and other governmental organizations from assisting campaign events that advocate for the election or defeat of political candidates.
“As the nation moves closer to a heated general election, we have seen repeated instances of state taxpayer resources going to the assistance of campaign events held at the State Capitol. The use of state taxpayer assets, including employees in the official conduct of their duties, is grossly inappropriate and unethical,” Cutler stated.
The proposed legislation stipulates that any public official or state government employee who approves an expenditure or use of taxpayer assets in support of a campaign event will face a civil penalty ranging from $2,500 to $25,000. Additionally, they would be barred from state government employment for a minimum of two years.
“Pennsylvania has an unfortunate history of taxpayer resources and taxpayer-paid employees going to jail because they inappropriately mixed campaigning and official duties,” Cutler said. “I have long stood for a bright line between campaigns and official business and am hopeful the rest of my colleagues will join me in recognizing that taxpayer resources should in absolutely no way be used for campaign purposes.”
Cutler also offered this proposal as an amendment to House Bill 2403; however, it was ruled out of order by the Speaker.
Republican Leader Bryan Cutler
100th Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Jason Gottesman
717-512-0620
jgottesman@pahousegop.com
RepCutler.com / Facebook.com/RepBryanCutler
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