By STATE REP. RYAN MACKENZIE

Special to The Press

In recent years, several high-profile incidents of theft by municipal employees have shaken the confidence some Lehigh Valley residents have in those elected or appointed to serve us at the local level. I can assure you such criminal acts are the exception, not the rule, and most who work in local government are people of integrity and honor. Still, a few bad apples can spoil the whole bushel: The bad behavior of a few can undermine confidence in all public servants.

This is why breeches of the public trust must be dealt with swiftly and firmly. You have a right to expect the people entrusted with safeguarding municipal funds will handle them with due diligence and respect. People who steal from municipal government are stealing from taxpayers. For this reason, I have introduced House Bill 1863, which would toughen penalties for individuals convicted of municipal theft.

My proposal would make the theft of $100,000 or more a second-degree felony, punishable by up to 10 years in prison. The theft of $500,000 or more would become a first-degree felony and carry a sentence of up to 20 years in prison. Additionally, the legislation would enhance penalties even further, lengthening these prison sentences by up to five years for those convicted of theft from a government entity.

This bill recently passed the House Judiciary Committee and enjoys wide bipartisan support in the legislature. It should come before the full House for a vote in the near future.

In addition to increasing penalties for municipal employees who steal from local governments, my bill would also target individuals who embezzle funds or otherwise take property from the charitable organizations they serve.

All too often, we hear of individuals with gambling addictions or other financial problems raiding the treasuries of volunteer service organizations, youth sports clubs and other nonprofit entities serving our communities. The same penalty enhancements proposed for employees convicted of robbing the public treasury would also apply to those who steal from charities they oversee.

I remain committed to reforming government to eliminate fraud and abuse. House Bill 1863 is yet another step toward accomplishing that goal. It would serve as a deterrent to anyone who might think they could get away with illegally skimming a few dollars from here or there, and it would make sure those who steal public or charitable dollars receive appropriate punishments.

I want to hear from you about ways you believe we can make government more efficient and accountable to taxpayers. You can call my district office at 610-965-9933 or reach me by email through my website by visiting www.RepMackenzie. com.