Sexual harassment claims demand action

Faced with allegations against its own members, the Pennsylvania Legislature wants to waste time on studies.

State Rep. Leanne KruegerBraneky is not a happy camper.

The Delaware County Democrat voted this week in favor of a Republican bill to set up a task force to evaluate the issue of sexual harassment – including some of the shenanigans going on in the state capital.

And she was gritting her teeth the whole way.

That is not because Krueger-Braneky does not support the notion of studying a serious issue. It’s because she – along with many others – are frustrated at the notion that we are still “studying” the problem.

The state rep was one of a group of female state legislators who introduced a package of bills to address the problem of sexual harassment. H.B. 1965, known as the #MeToo Pa. House Act, which would have tackled sexual harassment in the workplace headon.

Apparently she was moving too quickly for some of her Republican counterparts. None of the bills ever made it out of committee.

“More than five months have passed since Democrats introduced a package of bills to address sexual misconduct,” Krueger-Braneky said. “Now, in the shadow of state budget negotiations, the GOP has pushed through two resolutions to create a task force of legislators to study the problem rather than actually address it … It’s not time to study the problem, it’s time to act.”

Harrisburg has not exactly been immune to the scourge of harassment as voices have been raised across the country after a parade of wellknown stars kicked down the door of silence and alleged a pattern of abuse at the hands of Hollywood mogul Harvey Weinstein. He now faces criminal charges.

High-ranking politicians, celebrities and heavy hitters from the media have all been accused as the #MeToo movement rolled across the national landscape.

In the state capital, taxpayers learned they were on the hook for the settlement of a complaint against one elected representative. And state Rep. Nick Miccarelli, R-162, has been accused by two women of harassing and abusive behavior. No charges have been filed.

Krueger-Braneky’s legislation would clearly define sexual harassment in state law, while also creating a bicameral, non-partisan Office of Compliance. It also would require elected officials to reimburse taxpayers for settlements involving sexual harassment claims, and establish definitive procedures for investigating complaints in the General Assembly.

Other bills in the package would have ensured that all workers are covered by the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act.

Currently the law applies only to employers with four or more employees; would have expanded the workers covered under the human relations law to several fields now not covered; would create clearer descriptions of unacceptable behavior and harassment; increase the statute of limitations to file complaints with the state Human Relations Commission from 180 days to two years; increase the statute of limitations for whistleblowers and the filing of a complaint of retaliation from 180 days to two years.

Instead, House leaders decided not to do any of those things.

They decided they want to study the issue a bit more.

“We want to ensure these important issues are dealt with through a thoughtful, deliberate approach, rather than an immediate response that may lack power and direction,” said state Rep. Marcy Toepel, R-147.

“By taking the time to listen to people representing all perspectives, we will be best equipped to improve the professional climate for Pennsylvanians.”

By all means study the issue. Then please take action.

It’s overdue, both in the state Capitol and Pennsylvania.

“We want to ensure these important issues are dealt with through a thoughtful, deliberate approach.”