Jun. 30, 2021
HARRISBURG – Rep. Matthew Dowling (R-Fayette/Somerset) issued the following statement in response to Gov. Tom Wolf’s veto of
House Bill 1300, the Voting Rights Protection Act:
“It is impossible for me to understand how ANYONE can be opposed to ensuring the integrity and accessibility of our state’s elections.
“Just as he was throughout the pandemic, the governor is out of touch with the people he is elected to serve and represent. Polls have consistently shown substantial, bipartisan support for requiring voters to present an ID to cast their ballots. County officials have outlined important changes that must be made to allow them to do their jobs effectively. People have lost faith in the integrity of our elections. But the governor just plugs his ears and vetoes the solution to these issues anyway.”
As a member of the House State Government Committee, Dowling took part in 10 hearings that assessed every aspect of the state’s election process. He listened to dozens of testifiers, from national elections experts to county officials and everything in between.
“There is no question our election system must be modernized to improve security and accessibility, as well as timely reporting of results. Despite the governor’s veto, I will continue working to resolve these issues,” Dowling said.
In addition to his veto of House Bill 1300, the governor also reneged on an agreement with the General Assembly and line-item vetoed funding for a Bureau of Election Audits within the state’s Department of the Auditor General.
“I am disgusted, but sadly not surprised, by the governor’s actions today,” Dowling concluded.
Representative Matthew Dowling
51st Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Patricia Hippler
717.772.9846
phippler@pahousegop.com
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