News & Brews October 23, 2023
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Shapiro admin paid $295K to settle sexual harassment allegation
Pennsylvanians finally know how much in taxpayer dollars Gov. Shapiro’s administration used to settle the sexual harassment allegation against former Secretary of Legislative Affairs Mike Vereb: $295,000. Of this, $250,000 came from the state’s employee liability insurance program (the max amount that can come from this program), while the remaining $45,000 came from the governor’s office budget. Shapiro has been widely criticized for his handling of the scandal, as he’s remained mostly silent on it.
Shapiro’s handling of harassment scandal poses ‘big threat’ to his ‘political identity’
The Post-Gazette contrasts Gov. Shapiro’s campaign as attorney general to expose sexual abuse within the Catholic Church with his administration’s non-disclosure agreement silencing the individual who alleged sexual harassment against Shapiro’s former top aide. “The unfolding controversy poses a grave political threat to a rising star in the Democratic Party widely believed to have ambitions for national office — one who made a name for himself by exposing sexual misconduct and coverups.”
Rozzi announces bid for auditor general
Democrat state Rep. Mark Rozzi (Berks County), who marked his brief stint as House Speaker by shutting down the House for months, has announced his campaign for auditor general. You’ll recall Rozzi pledged to become an independent if elected speaker, then reneged on that pledge. Incumbent Republican Auditor General Tim DeFoor, who has performed his job and never sent his office home for two months, is also running for re-election.
Cash landscape of 2024 Pa. congressional candidates
City & State PA takes a look at third-quarter fundraising reports for Pa.’s congressional candidates, including the amounts raised and spent, as well as remaining cash-on-hand, for both incumbents and challengers.