A local lawmaker has been stripped of all his committee assignments.
Channel 11 reported last week that State Rep. Aaron Bernstine denies allegations in a PennLive report that he used anti-gay slurs in reference to an openly gay Democratic lawmaker. The report led to the Pennsylvania Legislative Black and Equality Caucus calling for Bernstine’s resignation.
In that report, Michael Ford, the Secretary/Treasurer of the Pennsylvania Building and Construction Trades Council, said Bernstine used a slur referencing State Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta (D-District 181) and said he was skinny because of AIDS.
In a statement to Channel 11, Bernstine pushed back on that report, saying it was a political attack from the union.
On Tuesday, an announcement during a state house session stated that Bernstine was removed from every committee he sat on.
Per his representative biography, Bernstine was a part of the following committees: insurance, transportation (subcommittee on railroads, Republican chair), intergovernmental affairs & operations, and labor & industry (subcommittee on workers compensation & worker protection, Republican chair).
Rep. Malcom Kenyatta (D-District 181), the rep. that Bernstine is accused of using a slur against, commended committee removals. He issued the following statement:
“Rep. Aaron Bernstine’s pattern of vile and deeply troubling behavior has long been known in Harrisburg. Today is an important first step in accountability.
To every Pennsylvanian who has experienced hate, bigotry, or bullying, they should know they are not alone and that as a commonwealth, we are better than this.
Rep. Bernstine must resign."
Bernstine says his focus remains on delivering results to Pennsylvanians. His statement reads:
“With just three legislative days remaining, my focus is on delivering results on the issues that matter most to Pennsylvanians. My attention is squarely on the priorities that still have a chance to become law before we adjourn: eliminating the gas tax, lowering Pennsylvania’s income tax, and passing skill games legislation to support small businesses.”
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