DeWeese reacts to grand jury findings

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Majority Leader Bill DeWeese
D-Greene/Fayette/Washington
www.pahouse.com/deweese

DeWeese reacts to grand jury findings; Discusses reforms made to improve caucus

HARRISBURG, July 10 – House Majority Leader Bill DeWeese issued the following statement regarding charges announced today by Attorney General Tom Corbett:

"Today’s announcement is an indictment of a culture that has existed in all four caucuses of the General Assembly for far too long, and which I committed to changing upon my re-election in 2006. I share the outrage felt today by taxpayers across the state; however, I can assure Pennsylvanians that the reforms we implemented this session will safeguard against future abuse of tax dollars.

"When these allegations first surfaced a year and a half ago, I brought in seasoned prosecutors to help me get to the bottom of things. I was outraged by the activity they uncovered and, with the backing of our Democratic Caucus leadership team, we did a major housecleaning last November.

"Actions speak louder than words. We are the only legislative caucus to have implemented a strong Code of Conduct, a Compliance & Ethics program, and other significant financial and personnel controls to make sure that no individual or group of people can ever get away with anything like this again.

"We have cooperated with the Attorney General in his ongoing investigation and will continue to do so. I feel searing disappointment over the actions of those I trusted, yet I am also proud of the staff in our caucus who came forward and told the truth. Pennsylvanians deserve nothing less."

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