Did the governor overstep his authority?

To the Editor:
Well, we can’t say we are surprised Gov. Wolf is checking off another box on his list of commitments to his political supporters.

His death penalty moratorium is, in reality, a political statement without public discourse or input. Or, apparently, without any consideration for those the victims left behind.

But there is, once more, a question. Did the governor overstep his authority? Once again, the governor acted not in an open or transparent manner, but unilaterally deciding to alter the law.

Should Pennsylvania have a death penalty discussion? Yes, and our Judiciary Committee will be doing just that — through our open and transparent legislative process.

Part of the dysfunction in Washington, D.C., has been caused by a chief executive who has decided to unilaterally make public policy decisions. If we are to avoid the same problems in Pennsylvania, all branches of government need to be included in those policy decisions.

Speaker of the House Mike Turzai (R-Allegheny)

Majority Leader Dave Reed (R-Indiana)

Pennsylvania House of Representatives