PA Secretary of State Resigns

By: Megan Talley 2/6/21

Photo Courtesy: PA Department of State

HARRISBURG - Pennsylvania’s Secretary of State, Kathy Boockvar, will be leaving at the end of the week after failing to advertise a proposed amendment through the State Department.

This amendment, PA House Bill 963, will help extend the timeframe for sexual abuse victims to file a lawsuit against their abusers. This was passed in response to sexual abuse allegations in the Catholic Church.

According to the PA Constitution, the State Department is required to advertise the amendment in two newspapers of all 67 counties. This also has to be at least three months before the next general election. But, there was no advertising before the 2020 election.

Secretary Boockvar says: “I’m proud of what we accomplished for the people of Pennsylvania. I’ve always believed that accountability and leadership must be a cornerstone of public service. While I only became aware of the mistake last week, and immediately took steps to alert the administration to the error, I accept the responsibility on behalf of the department.”

Governor Wolf responded saying: “This change at the Department of State has nothing to do with the administration of the 2020 election, which was fair and accurate. The delay caused by this human error will be heartbreaking for thousands of survivors of childhood sexual assault, advocates and legislators, and I join the Department of State in apologizing to you. I share your anger and frustration that this happened, and I stand with you in your fight for justice.”

Veronica Degraffenreid will step in as Secretary of State next week, and will stay there for the remainder of Governor Wolf’s term.