HARRISBURG –Senator Pat Stefano (R-32) issued the following statement in response to the Department of State’s refusal to participate in today’s Senate State Government Committee public hearing about election reform and integrity:
“Once again, we spoke to an empty chair because the Wolf administration refuses to engage in meaningful dialogue – dialogue that a majority of our constituents care about deeply. Worse, the Department of State, who refused to appear today, is the same department that changed guidance and took numerous actions that undermined public confidence in Pennsylvania’s 2020 election.
“Today, this committee was fully prepared to engage in meaningful conversation about election integrity initiatives. The absence of Department of State representatives who chose to ignore the committee’s invitation disrespects the Legislature’s role and responsibility as direct representatives of our constituents, and it undermines the democratic process.
“This empty chair shows the Wolf Administration and his Department of State is not interested in restoring the faith in our election process that is so crucial to our democracy. It is clear now, more than ever, that the Legislature must fight for transparency and accountability.”
Contact: Mark Fetzko, 717-787-7175