Shapiro is “definitely willing to take a close look at the GOP legislature after the Vereb settlement.”
HARRISBURG, Pa. (WHTM) – abc27 News asked Governor Shapiro two questions about sexual harassment allegations against one of his top aides.
When did Governor Shapiro first learn of the sexual harassment allegations, and what does he think about possible bills that would prohibit the type of nondisclosure agreement that was reached in this situation?
“We want to know when the governor knew about this,” said Sen. Kristin Phillips-Hill (R-York).
About allegations in March that former Legislative Affairs Minister Mike Vereb sexually harassed a woman who worked in the administration. So we asked the governor.
“Seth, all I can say about the settlement is what’s in the public domain,” Shapiro said. “And beyond that, I really can’t comment, as you know.”
Due to a confidentiality agreement which is part of this agreement. The governor’s office paid nearly $300,000 to resolve the allegations against Vereb – nearly $200,000 to the woman and nearly $50,000 each to two law firms.
“I and a few other members of the House of Representatives are thinking about how we can fix the system and make changes to, first, make the process more transparent and, second, protect women who work in the capital from men like this, men, the… Act like it,” said Rep. Abby Major (R-Westmoreland and Armstrong).
“If others have ideas about how to strengthen this across the board — for the legislative branch and the executive branch — I would certainly be willing to look at that carefully,” Shapiro said.
A previous movement that stalled earlier this year aimed at holding elected lawmakers more accountable – after Rep. Mike Zabel resigned amid harassment allegations of his own.
“We have to keep our own house in order if we want to criticize the governor,” Major said.
“I don’t think that’s acceptable in any branch of government,” Phillips-Hill said. “And I think we have a responsibility to address the situation in the executive branch because that is what has been presented to us.”
None of these potential bills we’ve heard about have been formally introduced yet, but abc27 News will let you know when they do.
