Cutler to Introduce Legislation Prohibiting State Agencies from Assisting Campaign Events
HARRISBURG – House Republican Leader Bryan Cutler (R-Lancaster) said Wednesday he will be introducing legislation to make it illegal for state agencies and other state governmental organizations to provide assistance for 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 said.
According to the legislation, any public official or state government employee who approves an expenditure or use of taxpayer assets in furtherance of a campaign event will be subject to a civil penalty of between $2,500 and $25,000 in addition to being barred from state government employment for a period of not less than 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.”
In addition to the legislation, Cutler offered the proposal as an amendment to
House Bill 2403, but it was ruled out of order by the Speaker.
You can view the cosponsorship memo here.
Republican Leader Bryan Cutler
100th Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Jason Gottesman
717-512-0620
jgottesman@pahousegop.com
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