Cutler, Benninghoff Comment on Boockvar Resignation

HARRISBURG – Speaker of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives Bryan Cutler (R-Lancaster) and Pennsylvania House Majority Leader Kerry Benninghoff (R-Centre/Mifflin) made the following on the resignation of Secretary of the Commonwealth Kathy Boockvar:

“Today is a sad day for victims. For the last 12 months, our caucus has raised serious concerns about this administration’s ability to competently manage the basic functions of state government. Today, our worst fears were realized by the revelation that incompetency in the Department of State may stand in the way of victims being able to seek justice.

“Also troubling is the unconstitutional interference of Pennsylvanians being able to determine their own form of government by amending their Constitution. The executive branch’s role is ministerial – and their failure to carry out these simple functions directly threatens the provisions of Article XI of our Constitution.

“We are also mindful that just a few weeks ago, the Pennsylvania Commonwealth Court struck down a constitutional amendment to strengthen victims’ rights due to a technicality.

“That amendment was overwhelmingly supported in favor of victims by the voters who actually adopted it at the ballot box. That majority popular vote was set aside by the Pennsylvania Supreme Court and now years of additional delay will result for victims in our state.

“While we appreciate the governor’s swift action in seeking Secretary Boockvar’s resignation, it will not undo further delay of justice for victims of child sexual abuse and the harm the administration has caused to people’s faith in their ability to carry out the basic processes of our government.

“Pennsylvanians deserve better. Much better.”