inside sources print logo
Get up to date Delaware Valley news in your inbox

As Crime Concerns Soar, PA House Republicans Push Crackdown

State House Republican Leader Bryan Cutler (R-Lancaster) says “crime—and even violent crime—in our communities is out of control.” On Monday he joined with his fellow House Republicans to announce a package of bills to fight crime and improve public safety.

“From rural to urban Pennsylvania, no community has been spared from this crisis. It has exhausted police and prosecutors. It has exhausted local and state resources. And it has exhausted our patience,” Cutler said.

Their bills, sponsored by Rep. Craig Williams (R-Delaware/Chester) and Rep. Valerie Gaydos (R-Allegheny), focus on prevention, policing, prosecution, and punishment.

“Public safety is a human right,” said Cutler. “And one of the main of government is to keep people safe.”  He noted there is an economic impact with “looting and retail theft” as companies increase prices to cover the cost.

Over the summer, Philadelphia police arrested suspects who stole more than $75,000 in merchandise from Luluemon and Givenchy stores, mostly in the King of Prussia Mall. Other thefts were reported in Philadelphia, Ardmore, and Upper Merion dating back to last November. Organized retail crime “has become far too a common occurrence the last few years for retailers in the commonwealth,” Pennsylvania Retailers Association Executive Director John Holub told DVJournal at the time.

In some communities, Butler said Monday, it’s even worse as stores simply pack up and move out.

Williams, a former federal and military prosecutor, is sponsoring a bill to support crime-stopper programs to allow people to report crimes anonymously.

“One of the great fallacies repeated is that crime rates are down. That is absolutely false. What is down is the reporting of crime. The reason for that is people are very afraid of retaliation to have their names associated with the reporting of crime. We all know in our experience that crime is out of control.”

Another issue is retail crime.

“We consumers in Pennsylvania are subsidizing crime,” he said. “You think inflation is out of control. There’s a portion of that that is related to retail theft, to online scamming”

Rising prices are not just from inflation but to help pay for retail theft and fraud. Companies make up those lost revenues “by passing those costs on to us,” said Williams.

The bill would provide a committee to help areas set up crime reporting programs. Some counties already have programs, and the bill would extend them to all 67 counties.

The crime package will also have an illegal immigration component, Williams said. It will encourage cities, towns and counties to honor federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detainers and enforcement.

“Our commonwealth will not be a safe harbor to illegal immigration,” said Williams.

Gaydos’ bill will help communities organize neighborhood watch programs with the support of law enforcement.

While some crimes are down, “what has increased is violent offenses. And that makes up the larger proportion of all offenses,” said Gaydos. She introduced two bills, one for neighborhood watch programs, and one increasing bail rules for violent offenders.

“We all know that people who know their communities the best are the residents who actually live there,” she said. “Vigilant neighbors can serve as the eyes and ears of our neighborhoods, helping to deter and prevent crime before it happens.”

Recently, in her area in the Pittsburgh suburbs, there was an incident involving torture over drugs and a wristwatch.

“This is absolutely unacceptable,” she said. “But it’s reaching our suburbs. We must not let that happen.

“Our courts have a constitutional obligation to consider public safety when determining bail for these violent criminals…This is addressing the most dangerous individuals and releasing them on bail has shown that it leads to tragic consequences. Violent offenders should not be permitted to commit further acts of violence.”

Her bill would require courts to consider public safety when setting bail.

“No more revolving doors for violent criminals,” said Gaydos. “Our law enforcement deserves us to have their back so they can protect everybody.”

Cutler said, “The House Democrats have taken a position that is easy on crime, and that is unacceptable.”  They introduced a constitutional amendment that they knew would not pass, Cutler said.

It now requires a unanimous decision from the state Parole Board for a convicted murderer to be released on parole. The amendment, introduced by Speaker Joanna McClinton (D-Philadelphia), would reduce that to a majority.

The Republicans have held hearings on crime throughout the commonwealth to listen to people’s concerns, he said. And the proposed laws, and others in their crime package, stem from those hearings.

Please follow DVJournal on social media: X@DVJournal or Facebook.com/DelawareValleyJournal

GOP Bill Would Stop State Employees From Working on Political Events on Taxpayer Dime

Harrisburg, we have a problem.

House Republican Leader Bryan Cutler—and others—noticed state employees appear to be working at Democratic campaign functions while being paid by taxpayers.

Cutler (R-Lancaster) sent a polite letter to state Secretary Reggie McNeil with the Department of General Services, citing some incidents.

One was a rally for President Joe Biden’s reelection on the front of the Capitol steps on June 5. Another was on June 11, where members of the Legislative Black Caucus and Democratic legislative leaders from both he House and Senate held a press event to launch  the  “Black Pennsylvanians for Biden-Harris Coalition.”

DGS employees worked at both events, said Cutler.

Eric Veronikis, a spokesperson for the state General Services, justified the workers’ presence.

“DGS staff help with logistics for hundreds of public events a year within the Capitol Complex – including but not limited to various tours, public and community events, press conferences, weddings, charity events, art presentations, and concerts – and the use of state resources is routinely used for these events in the Capitol. DGS acts in accordance with Pennsylvania Code Chapters 85 and 86 governing the Exercise of First Amendment Rights on Commonwealth Property and the use of the Capitol Complex for every event hosted,” Veronikis said.

Pennsylvania Code Chapter 86 – which governs the public areas of the Capitol Complex and has been in effect since October 1996 – does not differentiate between political and non-political events,” he said.

“Chapter 86 says, ‘At no time will the application or administration of these policies and procedures be influenced or affected by considerations of age, sex, race, national origin, handicap, religion, [or] partisan politics.’ DGS does not take into consideration which entities are linked to the organizers of any scheduled event within the Capitol Complex.

He added, “The Capitol Complex has regularly hosted public events for various groups with a wide range of political affiliations. From hosting legislative sessions to offering spaces for Capitol tours and public community events, DGS will continue to work with our colleagues in the General Assembly to create a welcoming environment.”

Now Cutler is introducing a bill to make it illegal for state agencies and other 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.

House Speaker Joanna McClinton (D-Philadelphia) declined to comment. House Majority Leader Rep. Matt Bradford (D-Montgomery) did not respond to requests for comment.

“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.”

Please follow DVJournal on social media: Twitter@DVJournal or Facebook.com/DelawareValleyJournal

 

Boyle Reaches Out to TV Reporter, Decries Primary Loss

Just a day after his fellow Democrats sought to create a special committee to oust “members unfit to serve” from the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, Philadelphia Rep. Kevin Boyle exchanged text messages with a local TV news reporter.

Boyle has been missing, and a warrant for his arrest was issued a week before the April 23 primary.

Then, Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner rescinded the warrant the day before the primary, saying there was a mistake. Boyle had not violated a protection from abuse order after all since no PFA was in place.

Thursday, Boyle, 44, whose location remains a mystery, exchanged text messages with ABC27 reporter Dennis Owens.

“The 2024 Democratic primary in the 172nd was despicable on the part of law enforcement,” Boyle told Owens. He lost the primary to Sean Dougherty, a lawyer and the son of state Supreme Court Justice Kevin Dougherty and the nephew of embattled labor leader Johnny “Doc” Dougherty. Just before the primary, Dougherty’s campaign ran repeated television commercials bashing Boyle for the alleged PFA violation.

The state Democratic Committee backed Dougherty against Boyle, who was seeking his eighth term in the House.

Boyle gave Owens records of an expungement of his previous conviction.

“I wouldn’t have lost if rules had been followed and law enforcement had not played politics with a phony investigation about a nonexistent PFA which had already been expunged from my record,” Boyle texted.

And Boyle seemed bitter in this text: “America is not a banana republic. Elections and politics can never be the deciding factor behind why “investigations” are started by law enforcement. It’s despicable that any law enforcement official would spread a rumor about me being ‘investigated’ or about to be ‘arrested’ to advance a political goal.”

On Monday, House GOP leaders held a press conference, saying they had sent a letter to Attorney General Michelle Henry and asked her to investigate Krasner’s handling of the Boyle arrest warrant. Previously, the House voted to impeach Krasner, but Krasner appealed to the Commonwealth Court, which dismissed some of the charges. The House impeachment managers then appealed to the state Supreme Court, which has not ruled.

Republican Leader Bryan Cutler (R-Lancaster) declined to comment on the new development in the Kevin Boyle saga Thursday evening. Democratic Leader Matt Bradford (D-Norristown) did not respond to a request for comment.

Boyle, whose brother, U.S. Rep. Brendan Boyle, represents northeast Philadelphia in Congress, has spoken about Kevin Boyle’s mental health issues in the past. In February, Kevin Boyle caused a fracas at a bar in Rockledge. No charges were filed.

Please follow DVJournal on social media: Twitter@DVJournal or Facebook.com/DelawareValleyJournal

New Secret PA House Committee Could Determine Whether to Expel Members

In a party-line vote Wednesday, the Pennsylvania House Rules Committee approved a resolution to form a new committee that would operate in secret to determine whether a member is incapacitated.

The move comes in the wake of the disappearance of Rep. Kevin Boyle (D-Philadelphia), who is reportedly suffering from mental illness. If passed by the full House, the committee would have the authority to subpoena medical records and to suspend a member without pay.

House Minority Leader Bryan Culter (R-Lancaster) vehemently objected to this resolution, saying there was no need since the ethics committee could already handle injuries.

However, Majority Leader Matthew Bradford (D-Norristown) defended the move, saying it was needed and accusing members of slandering Boyle during previous public discussions. He claimed Cutler was engaging in “political theater.”

“If the conduct of a member rises to the level of being put before a secret tribunal, maybe it should also rise to the level of being expelled,” said Cutler. “I believe this is ripe for challenge in the courts, and it is unconstitutional.”

Bradford said it was “a delicate, personal issue,” and the member remains “in our prayers and thoughts.”

“We are dealing with an unparalleled and historic challenge,” said Bradford. “But one this majority will deal with. Cutler tried to ask a question, and Bradford told him, “We’ve already listened to you,  ad nauseam.”

Talking to the press afterward, Cutler said he had less than half an hour to review the resolution, which was changed from earlier versions, and it wasn’t publicly available before the meeting. He called the new committee “an inquisition.”

“This situation is very politicized,” said Cutler. “They actively ran a candidate against the gentlemen (Boyle).” The Democratic Party’s endorsed candidate, Sean Dougherty, bested Boyle in the primary.

And whether someone is capable of serving should be left to doctors to decide, Cutler said.

Cutler said that the Democrats are only creating this new committee and process so they can continue to pass legislation 102-101 through the budget cycle. The state budget is due to be adopted June 30. The Democrats have been voting for Boyle by proxy in his absence.

“It’s very, very wrong,” said Cutler. When it comes to removing anybody from this chamber, they have a constitutional right to come to the well and defend themselves.”

He added that if the secret committee voted to expel someone, the entire House would need to vote, and the information would then become public.

“The process and case law are very clear,” said Cutler. “We don’t need an unnecessary rule change to defend the Democrats’ majority as we head into the budget.”

Cutler also accused the Democrats of going back and rewriting the digital accounts of what occurred in this process.

“A tribunal held in secret as well as secretly rewriting the journal weeks after things occur is not how the commonwealth should be run and once again demonstrates why they should not be in charge,” said Cutler.

Rep. Tim O’Neal (R-Washington), the Republican whip,  said, “One of the things I hear quite often in political campaigns throughout the commonwealth and around the country is, ‘Our democracy is at stake.’ Let that sink in. Our democracy is at stake—a clear narrative across the country. But the majority just passed out of the rules committee the ability to suspend without pay a duly elected representative of the People’s House, under the sole recommendation of the leader of the party and a simple majority vote of five members. So we now have power rested in the czar and the oligarchs that surround him.

There is nothing Democratic about what we just did. It is an insult to this institution. And it is an insult to our constitution of this commonwealth,” O’Neal said.

Culter noted that the Democrats spent “hundreds of thousands of dollars” for Dougherty’s campaign against Boyle, running commercials with the same information. “Were they also slanderous?” he asked.

Bradford did not respond to a request for comment on the resolution, which would need to be passed by the entire House before it could take effect.

 

Please follow DVJournal on social media: Twitter@DVJournal or Facebook.com/DelawareValleyJournal

House GOP Asks AG To Investigate Krasner’s Handling of Boyle Case

Pennsylvania House Republicans want the state Attorney General to look into the case of “Runaway Rep” Kevin Boyle and, in particular, the treatment the lawmaker received from his fellow Philadelphia Democrat, District Attorney Larry Krasner.

At issue is the curious case of an arrest warrant filed a week before the state primary against Boyle (D-Philadelphia), then withdrawn by Larry Krasner the day before the polls opened.

On Tuesday, House GOP Leader Bryan Cutler held a press conference to announce the Republican caucus sent a letter to Attorney General Michelle Henry asking her to investigate the matter.

Boyle, who reportedly suffers from mental illness, disappeared from the House and could not be located. He remains missing. His brother, Congressman Brendan Boyle (D-Philadelphia), said then that his brother declined help.

Boyle lost the primary to Democratic challenger Sean Dougherty, the son of state Supreme Court Justice Kevin Dougherty and nephew of disgraced union leader Johnny “Doc” Doughtery. State Democrats had supported Dougherty over Boyle. In the fall, Doughtery faces Republican Aizaz Gill.

According the Cutler, Krasner’s actions in the Boyle case are so questionable that an outside review is required.

“While we all continue to be concerned about Rep. Boyle, there are a few things we know about the issuance and withdrawal of the arrest warrant,” said Cutler (R-Lancaster).

“We know the arrest warrant was announced a week before the primary election. The candidate who was the subject of that warrant was being opposed by his own party’s leadership. We know that the announcement of the arrest warrant being withdrawn was literally made on the eve of the 2024 primary election. We know DA Krasner has a history of political, inappropriate and unprofessional management of his office.”

The House impeached Krasner in 2022, and the Commonwealth Court rejected two of three articles of impeachment. The House then appealed to the state Supreme Court where it remains pending. Published reports say Krasner will seek a third term.

“This incident adds fuel to an already troubling pattern of lies and incompetence under district attorney Larry Krasner’s leadership,” said Martina White (R-Philadelphia). “Since taking office, the Philadelphia DA and his office have shown a concerning disregard for victims, court procedures, and the essence of judicial responsibility.”

She pointed out judges’ criticism of Krasner, his “attempting to unjustly convict an officer of murder and to spring a convicted murderer off of death row.”

“We cannot trust this district attorney to tell the truth about what happened in this case either,” said White. She accused Krasner of fostering “a dangerous pattern that jeopardizes public safety and erodes trust in our legal system.”

“The case of Rep. Kevin Boyle is not an outlier,” she said.

“This case is symptomatic of an office that has repeatedly exploited its power, not merely bending the rules but breaking them,” said White. “When a district attorney’s office can mislead a grand jury and deny a police officer his civil rights, as noted by Justice Kevin Dougherty, we must confront the reality that this is not about isolated incidents. It is about systemic failure.”

White said the DA’s office must approve violations of a protection from abuse order (the charge against Boyle).

“The law was not followed. And the proper procedures were not followed,” said Cutler. “Our main concern is on the eve of an election, does it qualify as election interference?”

Speaker of the House Joanna McClinton (D-Philadelphia) declined to comment through a spokeswoman. And the Attorney General’s Office acknowledged receiving the letter but declined further comment.

Krasner, however, remained combative. His spokesperson attacked House Republicans as “enemies of democracy” for questioning the DA’s behavior.

“The call from Pennsylvania House Republicans for an investigation is merely another instance of political theater by enemies of democracy,” said Dustin Slaughter with the D.A.’s office. “It’s ironic that many of those pushing for this investigation were also involved in disputing the 2020 election, as reported by the nonpartisan States United Democracy Center. Reps. George Dunbar, Bryan Cutler, Martina White, Seth Grove, and Joshua Kail were among those who contested the election.

“Perhaps we should be investigating actual attempts to undermine the integrity of our democratic process and continuing attempts to silence Philadelphia voters instead,” Slaughter said. “Regardless of these Republicans’ bogus efforts at distraction, we will continue to fight crime as they require us to fight stupid.”

 

Please follow DVJournal on social media: Twitter@DVJournal or Facebook.com/DelawareValleyJournal

House Dems Use Obscure Rule to Keep Philly’s Boyle Legislating While On the Lam

Delaware Valley Democrat state Rep. Kevin Boyle may have been on the run from the cops Wednesday, but that didn’t stop him from casting votes to keep his party in the majority.

“You’ve got an individual who has an arrest warrant out, who is either a fugitive from justice and waiting to be processed, or they are in communication about his votes and are harboring him and should indicate that to law enforcement,” said an astonished House Republican Leader Bryan Cutler (R-Lancaster).

Speaker Rep. Joanna McClinton (D-Philadelphia) controls the House, the slimmest of majorities. And so rather than removing Boyle from his duties (representing part of northeast Philadelphia), she called a meeting of a committee that had never convened before to cast a party-line vote declaring Boyle eligible to vote by proxy.

That’s how, even though an arrest warrant had been issued alleging Boyle had violated a protection from abuse order and had not turned himself in to the police, he was still (remotely) participating in the democratic process.

Or rather, House Republicans complained, the “Democratic” process.

“It’s just a further abuse for them to maintain their majority and ensure they have votes,” Cutler said. “The idea of a fugitive from law or somebody sitting in jail, whose whereabouts are completely unknown,  being able to continue to cast votes, is wrong.”

“This is purely again political for the Democrats to remain in power,” added Rep. Martina White (R-Philadelphia). “And what they’re doing with it is basically causing democracy to die today.”

Aizaz Gill, a Republican running for Boyle’s seat, said, “While Rep. Boyle should resign and seek the help he needs, the bigger issue today is the House Democrats allowing a proxy vote on the House floor by someone never elected by the people of the Northeast. This is an unprecedented action designed solely to maintain political power and is an affront to democracy and the people of the 172nd District. It shows everything that is wrong with our system.”

Patrick Gushue, who is also running in the Republican primary, said, “I sincerely hope state Rep. Kevin Boyle receives all the help he may need. This unfortunate incident further highlights the importance of April 23rd’s Republican primary election.

“Republican voters of the 172nd District hold the power to make a real change, and I encourage everyone to to have their voice heard by casting a vote this Tuesday,” added Gushue.

Boyle, who is seeking his eighth term in the state House, is the brother of Congressman Brendon Boyle. Brandon Boyle did not respond to requests for comment.

He’s being challenged in the April 23 Democratic primary by Sean Dougherty, a lawyer and the son of state Supreme Court Justice Kevin Dougherty.

“I hope that Rep. Boyle seeks and receives the help and treatment that he needs for himself and his family,” Dougherty said Wednesday. “Mental health does not have a party affiliation.”

Boyle has a history of mental illness, and this isn’t the first time he’s been crosswise with the law.

In 2021, Republicans called for Boyle to resign after he was charged with violating a protection from abuse order and harassment.

On Feb. 8, Rockledge Police investigated Boyle after an incident at the Malt House on Huntingdon Pike where he allegedly threatened a female bartender. A bouncer removed him from the taproom, and he walked away.  The bartender declined to press charges, according to Rockledge Police Chief John Gallagher.

Rep. Tim O’Neal (R-Washington), the House Republican Whip, called the situation “egregious.”

“Regardless of the challenges Rep. Boyle is facing at the current moment, we all know he’s not representing anybody. He is literally on the run from a warrant that’s been issued for his arrest, or he’s literally sitting in jail. Either of those should disqualify him from voting in the current moment,” O’Neal. said.

“This entire thing could have been avoided by simply putting him on leave,” Cutler said.

McClinton Proposes Election Day Voter Registration, Two Weeks of Voting

State House Speaker Joanna McClinton unveiled legislation at a Capitol news conference Tuesday to make it easier for Pennsylvanians to vote.

McClinton’s bill would allow registered Pennsylvania voters to vote early, in person, during the two weeks before Election Day. It would also allow same-day voter registration at polling locations the day of the election.

“Voting is at the core of our national identity and among our most valued rights as Americans,” said McClinton (D-Philadelphia). “Rather than spur distrust in our system and attack our dedicated election workers, we should look for ways to make the system accessible to more Pennsylvanians so their voices can be heard.

“Measures like these add convenience and security and have already been adopted in dozens of other states, including states with historic records of voter suppression like Florida and Georgia.”

However, her bill is likely to meet opposition from Republican lawmakers.

“We cannot properly register people to vote and administer elections on the current timelines in the law,” said House Republican Leader Bryan Cutler (R-Lancaster). “This proposal does nothing to increase Pennsylvania’s election integrity and once again injects more partisanship and mixed messaging during a presidential election year.”

But Senate Majority Leader Joe Pittman (R-Indiana) suggested a compromise could be on the horizon. “A lot can happen if we get Voter ID as a constitutional amendment.”

J. Christian Adams, founder of the Election Law Center and general counsel for the Public Interest Legal Foundation, is skeptical.

“Same day registration doesn’t provide enough time to validate eligibility,” said Adams. His organization promotes ballot security and is currently suing Pennsylvania to obtain information regarding the registration of foreign nationals at PennDOT offices for more than two decades.

McClinton said same-day voter registration would allow eligible Pennsylvanians to register when it’s most relevant and convenient—on Election Day. It would also enable real-time corrections to inaccurate voter rolls, strengthening the safety and security of the election system.

It seems to be working in New Hampshire, which holds the first presidential primary in the nation every four years.

“New Hampshire has had election day registration since 1993. It has worked well in our state, and has resulted in consistently high voter participation rates,” New Hampshire Secretary of State David Scanlan told DVJournal.

McClinton says allowing two weeks of early in-person voting on machines would give Pennsylvanians with demanding work schedules or family responsibilities an opportunity to cast their vote at a time that works best for them. It would also decrease congestion at the busiest polling locations. Also, it would help seniors, especially those who use wheelchairs or walkers, allowing more time to accommodate their needs.

Pennsylvania Voice Executive Director Salewa Ogunmefun support these new voting rules.

“These commonsense reforms will not only make it more convenient for all Pennsylvanians to make their voices heard at the ballot box, they will also help make our elections more secure,” said Ogunmefun. “We couldn’t be happier that Speaker McClinton has decided to make this a priority and look forward to working with her to get them passed into law.”

“I vote. I want to vote. I believe it’s my civic duty to vote. But when life becomes challenging, so can voting,” said Angela Madera, a voter from Allentown. “There are so many people like me who have to overcome barriers simply to cast our ballot. It shouldn’t be that way. Voting is our right. Pennsylvanians are busier than ever. Work schedules and family commitments vary. Our voting system needs to accommodate these new realities and reflect the needs of today’s citizens. I’m so grateful to the speaker for standing up for voters like me.”

“In order to have elections that are fully accessible to all, the Commonwealth must implement policies that are mindful of the challenges people with disabilities encounter when trying to vote. The changes proposed are welcome expansions to voting access in Pennsylvania and individuals with disabilities will especially benefit from more flexible opportunities to vote,” said Jennifer Garman, director of government affairs for Disability Rights Pennsylvania.

McClinton’s legislation compliments voting changes implemented by the Shapiro administration in 2023, including automatic voter registration when people get their driver’s licenses or state identification cards and redesigning mail-in ballots.

Spokesperson Manuel Bonder said, “Gov. Josh Shapiro is supportive of these priorities and expanding voting opportunities for eligible Pennsylvanians as we continue working to ensure our elections are free, fair, safe, and secure. The Shapiro administration looks forward to continuing to work alongside Speaker McClinton on these priorities.”

“As the birthplace of American democracy, it’s time we offered Pennsylvanians more options to vote safely and conveniently, reduce the time people wait in line to cast a ballot and guarantee that every voter has enough time to exercise their right to participate in our elections. Every voice matters.” McClinton said.

The primary is on April 23. The last day to request a mail-in or absentee ballot is April 16.

Please follow DVJournal on social media: Twitter@DVJournal or Facebook.com/DelawareValleyJournal

 

House GOP Leader Sends Letter to Penn About Antisemitism, Veterinary School Funding

Some Pennsylvania House Republicans want to throw the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine a lifeline.

The state legislature voted against sending the veterinary school $33 million in state funding in the wake of antisemitic incidents at the University of Pennsylvania. The vote was also a response to congressional testimony from then-President Liz Magill in which she was unable to say that “calling for the genocide of Jews” violated the university’s policies, calling it “a context-dependent decision.”

Penn remains under investigation by the U.S. Department of Education Office of Civil Rights. That office on Wednesday added neighboring Drexel University to the list of schools it is investigating for antisemitism and Islamophobia.

In a letter to Penn Interim President Dr. J. Larry Jameson and Andrew Hoffman, D.V.M., dean of the veterinary school, House Republican Leader Bryan Cutler (R-Lancaster) said the legislators recognize “Penn Vet’s extraordinary contributions to veterinary medicine and our state’s agricultural foundation.”

Cutler wrote that while Magill’s resignation and the creation of a university task force to address antisemitism are “good first steps toward change, these actions have yet to help students and visitors feel safe and welcomed.”

He said a group of legislators will work with university officials to achieve the goals of rooting out antisemitism.

The members include Reps. Jesse Topper (R-Bedford/Fulton), the GOP chair of the education committee; Aaron Kaufer (R-Luzerne); Bob Mercuri (R-Allegheny); Kristin Marcell (R-Bucks); and Tom Jones (R-Lancaster/Lebanon).

For funding to resume, Republicans are demanding an unequivocal statement from the Penn president or interim president that “calls for genocide against the Jewish people are not consistent with the cultural values of the university and an affirmation that this type of conduct is actionable under Penn’s code of student conduct as bullying, harassment, and intimidation.”

Also, Penn should support a package of bills to address antisemitism in the state’s “basic and higher education systems.”

Penn must also support a discussion of other free speech legislation pending in the legislature. The letter recommended a review of the university’s student organizations to ensure there is no financial support for or promotion of antisemitism.

The letter noted Pennsylvania was founded in the spirit of “religious liberty and acceptance,” and Philadelphia “was created in the image of brotherly love and toleration.”

Marcell told DVJournal, “I will always work to stand against antisemitism in Pennsylvania and our education system. I look forward to engaging with the University and working in a bipartisan manner to what should be a shared goal of eliminating this insidious form of hate.”

While they remain “supportive of Penn Vet’s contribution to Pennsylvania,” they cannot spend taxpayer money on “hate-based activities that have become so disconcerting.”

A university spokesman issued this statement in response to the legislators’ letter:

“We have received Leader Cutler’s letter and will respond shortly—interim President J. Larry Jameson and Dean Andy Hoffman appreciate that members of the legislature want to find a path forward on funding the School of Veterinary Medicine. As part of Penn’s Action Plan to Combat Antisemitism, we pledged to engage broadly and deeply and welcome input from all who share our commitment to combatting hate in all its forms.”

Please follow DVJournal on social media: Twitter@DVJournal or Facebook.com/DelawareValleyJournal

Bucks County Rep. Galloway Resigns, Leaving PA House Tied

Bucks County Democrat Rep. John Galloway resigned his seat in the 140th District Thursday, just hours after House Democrats used their slim 102-101 majority to push through their fiscal plan. His departure leaves the House evenly split between the parties until a special election can be held on February 13, 2024.

By complete coincidence, House Democrats said, repairs to a leaky roof will prevent any voting sessions until March. In fact, Democratic Gov. Josh Shapiro will even be forced to deliver his annual budget address in the rotunda rather than to a joint session of the General Assembly in the House of Representatives Chamber.

Galloway was elected to a district justice seat for Falls Township on Nov. 7, so his departure was no surprise. And given the partisan makeup of this district, his replacement will likely be another Democrat, returning the House to a one-vote Democratic majority.

Republicans are crying foul, with sources telling DVJournal the leak was discovered a year ago.

“You see the chaos on the floor. An alleged water leak. I have not seen water drop from the ceiling yet in a year,” said Rep. Seth Grove (R-York).

“I am very tired of them managing to the next election and maintaining power instead of actually governing the commonwealth,” said Republican Leader Bryan Cutler (R-Lancaster).

Cutler alluded to a resolution the Democrats passed declaring the state as being in the “Taylor Swift Era” in the midst of work on the budget and various other bills. The popular singer is a Berks County native and was named Time Magazine’s Person of the Year.

Governing “is the job of the majority. They are failing,” said Cutler.

Three Democrats are running for Galloway’s former seat: his chief-of-staff Melanie Bidlingmaier, former Eagles cheerleader Donna Petrecco, and Pennsbury School Board Member Jim Pokopiak.

The Bucks County Republican Committee Thursday endorsed Candace Cabanas, who will be on the ballot for the 140th District, which includes Falls Township, part of Middletown Township, Morrisville and Tullytown.

Please follow DVJournal on social media: Twitter@DVJournal or Facebook.com/DelawareValleyJournal

Shapiro Orders Automatic Voter Registration; GOP Cries Foul

Democratic Gov. Josh Shapiro announced Tuesday that people will automatically be registered to vote when they get their driver’s license or state government ID. Twenty-three other states also have automatic voter registration.

“Pennsylvania is the birthplace of our democracy, and as governor, I’m committed to ensuring free and fair elections that allow every eligible voter to make their voice heard,” Shapiro said. “Automatic voter registration is a commonsense step to ensure election security and save Pennsylvanians time and tax dollars.”

Under the new system, people getting their driver’s license will be automatically registered to vote unless they opt out and choose not to. Under the current system, people can “opt-in” to register if they choose.

“Residents of our commonwealth already provide proof of identity, residency, age, and citizenship at the DMV – all the information required to register to vote — so it makes good sense to streamline that process with voter registration. My administration will keep taking innovative actions like this one to make government work better and more efficiently for all Pennsylvanians,” Shapiro said.

Not so fast, Republican legislators responded.

House Republican Leader Bryan Cutler (R-Lancaster) said a new voter registration system should be created through the legislature, not by executive fiat.

“The problem here is not necessarily the end, but the means,” said Cutler. “The governor is following the sad and misguided precedent set by his predecessor that recognizes our election laws need updating and modernized but then disenfranchises the General Assembly from exercising its constitutional prerogative to make laws. This unilateral action on the eve of what is likely to be a hotly contested and close election will cause many Pennsylvania voters to continue to question the security and results of our system.”

Critics of Shapiro’s actions note Pennsylvania has had problems in the past with how it handles voter registration lists.

“The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation has admitted to registering foreign nationals to vote for nearly two decades,” said J. Christian Adams, president of the Public Interest Legal Foundation. “They continue to fight to conceal the full extent of how many foreigners registered to vote through the DMV process. This new automatic voter registration program will crank in more errors to the voter rolls.”

In April 2022, the PILF won a court case against Pennsylvania over registering illegal immigrants to vote. State officials admitted a PennDOT programming “glitch” caused illegal aliens to be able to register. Although the court ordered the state to allow PILF to examine voters’ history, the state has appealed.

Senate state government committee Chairman Sen. Chris Dush (R-Clinton/Elk/McKean/Potter) declared Shapiro’s executive action was unconstitutional.

“Honest, transparent, and secure elections remain the cornerstone of our constitutional republic. Sadly, by unilaterally implementing automatic voter registration, Gov. Shapiro has once again demonstrated his ignorance of the entire electoral process and his inability to work with the legislature as required by the Pennsylvania Constitution.

Shapiro’s move “bypasses the checks and balances that are in place to safeguard the interests of all citizens,” Dush said.

“The Pennsylvania Constitution makes it crystal clear that any time government is forcibly compelling the people to do something – in this case, registering online to vote through PennDOT – the rule of law must be followed to the letter.

“The governor’s automatic voter registration scheme amounts to the rigging of the process to favor thoughtless and even accidental registration in the name of ‘democracy.’ Any laws made unilaterally through executive orders – without the full scrutiny and debate that this committee and the legislature are obligated to provide – are the work of tyrants,” said Dush.

Manuel Bonder, a spokesperson for Shapiro, said the governor does have the power to make this “procedural change” through the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) and the Department of State and that it is constitutional.

Joy Schwartz, a Republican running for Delaware County Council, is angry at Shapiro’s move.

“It’s an effort to swell the voting rolls that are already dirty in Pennsylvania ahead of the little election this year and the big election next year,” said Schwartz. Illegal immigrants are “pouring in” and often need driver’s licenses for their jobs. “This will create a big loophole.”

National Chairman of the Election Transparency Initiative and former Virginia Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli issued the following statement: “Automatic registration is not ‘key to strengthening democracy’ as Gov. Shapiro dishonestly contends—it’s the antithesis of election integrity and threatens the trust of voters in fair, secure, and transparent elections they deserve. Like other schemes, including same-day registration, permanent absentee voter lists, and the automatic mass mailing of absentee ballots and/or absentee ballot request forms, automatic registration leaves virtually no time to verify the accuracy of voter information.

“If you want to increase the likelihood of fraud, multiple or duplicate registrations, and participation of ineligible voters—such as non-citizens and illegal aliens, temporary residents, and convicted felons—look no further than the process of dumping government data onto the voter rolls,” Cuccinelli said.

Schwartz is less worried that illegals will vote than that these names will be used for voter fraud.

“It creates an opportunity for nefarious actors, nongovernmental organizations, to use those voters’ registrations to vote,” she said.

“It’s a naked power grab, as far as I’m concerned,” said Schwartz. “It’s just outrageous, the violations of the legislature’s power by this governor. It’s just shocking.”

The move will increase the problems with Pennsylvania’s elections caused by ballot drop boxes and machines, “making elections less secure.”

“It’s a further consolidating of Democrats’ power,” Schwartz said.

Please follow DVJournal on social media: Twitter@DVJournal or Facebook.com/DelawareValleyJournal