Rep. David Maloney called on March 27 for the House Game and Fisheries Committee to hold a hearing regarding allegations of abuse and harassment reported by women employed at the Pennsylvania Game Commission.
Maloney said the request comes during Women’s History Month, aiming to address concerns about workplace conditions at the commission. He also urged that the governor be invited to attend, referencing his stated commitment to defending women’s rights.
In his letter, Maloney said: “I know committee members will want to inform themselves and the public about what really goes on inside 2001 Elmerton Ave.” He continued, “I am also requesting the governor be invited to attend as he has consistently pledged to defend ‘women’s rights.’”
“He should be interested in reports that handicapped employees had their physical status used against them in an effort to terminate their employment or drive them to quit instead of granting them a simple accommodation as the law requires,” Maloney said. He described a “toxic work environment in which the human relations department felt emboldened to target employees with harassment while upper management looked the other way.” Maloney questioned whether House members who have previously advocated for women facing abuse would now speak up and ask if news reports about these issues are true, and whether evidence can be seen within hiring data or retention challenges at specific departments.
He further addressed transparency concerns: “On top of its alleged abuse of employees, the PGC requested a waiver from the Senate to be exempt from Act 45, a law which requires the PGC to be open and transparent with its decisions, actions and energy exploration on lands owned by the sportsmen of Pennsylvania.” Maloney added that transparency is necessary given past ethics violations.
Maloney holds several roles within state government. He serves as Republican chairman for the House Game and Fisheries Committee according to his official website. His legislative priorities include eliminating property taxes, protecting children through background checks for those working with minors, requiring schools report known child abuse cases according to his official website, fostering private sector jobs, safeguarding property rights, promoting conservation efforts according to his official website, supporting hunter education courses in public schools according to his official website, championing legislation such as First Responders Day and POW/MIA flag displays according to his official website, and representing communities throughout Berks County including Alsace Township, Colebrookdale Township, Bally Borough, Boyertown Borough among others according to his official website.
The next steps may involve committee discussions or hearings if other lawmakers respond positively. The outcome could influence future oversight practices or policy changes concerning workplace conduct within state agencies.
