South Central PA News

Three chairpersons of Pennsylvania House committees were denied entry to the Farm Show Complex in Harrisburg, where the state's stockpile of personal protective equipment (PPE) is stored. The visit was intended to inspect the PPE storage, but they were blocked due to not agreeing to certain conditions set by Governor Wolf's administration.

Representatives Dan Moul, Karen Boback, and Seth Grove had arranged a tour following discussions in a State Government Committee hearing. However, upon arrival, they found themselves locked out with no officials present to meet them.

"We had a reservation for a 9 a.m. tour and we found the doors locked. It is shameful," said Grove. He emphasized their readiness to comply with safety measures but opposed signing a non-disclosure agreement that would limit their oversight responsibilities. "We have a constitutional duty as a legislative branch to provide legislative oversight on executive agencies."

Moul expressed concerns about transparency and taxpayer rights, citing reports that two loads of PPE were removed from the complex and taken to an incinerator because they weren't medical-grade. "This building is owned by the taxpayers and the product in this building was paid for by taxpayers," he stated.

Boback raised questions about why PPE is stored at the Farm Show Complex instead of other locations like Fort Indiantown Gap, which offers more suitable facilities. She seeks answers regarding storage decisions and equipment distribution timelines for first responders.

Grove noted concerns over storing all PPE in a flood-prone location and stressed the need for collaboration with the governor to improve emergency planning post-pandemic. He criticized what he described as a lack of public transparency hindering policy development.

Moul linked this incident to broader issues regarding gubernatorial powers during emergencies, highlighting upcoming ballot questions aimed at limiting such declarations without legislative consent.

The three committee chairs represent various sectors: agriculture, veterans affairs and emergency preparedness, and state government within the Pennsylvania House of Representatives.