Rep. Daniel Grossberg, D-Louisville, has been removed from his interim committees following allegations of inappropriate actions toward women, including behavior and text messages.(LRC Public Information)
A Kentucky Democratic lawmaker has been removed from his interim committees following allegations of inappropriate actions toward women, including behavior and text messages.
Rep. Daniel Grossberg, who represents the 30th House District in Jefferson County, was suspended from the House Democratic Caucus following a vote and a request from his colleagues that the Legislative Ethics Commission conduct an investigation. The Lexington Herald-Leader first reported allegations against Grossberg a couple weeks ago. At the time, he denied “any impropriety” in a statement to the newspaper.
“In light of new information Leadership received from LRC officials it was deemed appropriate to relieve Rep. Grossberg of his committee responsibilities during the interim,” House Democratic leadership said in a statement Thursday. “Many committees do not cast votes during the interim and Rep. Grossberg’s constituents will not be impacted by this decision.”
Anna Whites, an attorney representing Grossberg, said in an email to the Kentucky Lantern that the Legislative Research Commission conducted “a brief investigation several weeks ago” and gave results to Grossberg and Democratic House leaders.
“No sexual misconduct was found or shared with me or Rep Grossberg, and that was the end of it,” Whites said. “I am not aware of any LRC investigation and do not believe one is ongoing.”
As for removing Grossberg from his committees, Whites said Democratic House leaders “gave no reason to him and no ‘new evidence’ has been provided to him or to my office by either LRC or the House Minority leaders. I have no reason to believe LRC is involved in this decision.”
Whites said removing Grossberg from his interim committees is not only “unprecedented,” but also “an unconstitutional disenfranchisement of approximately 46,000 citizens who are being told by Democratic Minority Leaders — ‘You don’t get a voice in Frankfort.’” Democratic leaders in the House have “effectively denied an entire House District, and his is one of the most diverse in the state, a voice in government,” she said.
The General Assembly has several interim committees dedicated to various topics that study issues between legislative sessions. Information discussed in these meetings often serves as the basis for legislation debated and passed when lawmakers reconvene in Frankfort.
“Some of the most important legislative work is done between sessions,” Whites said. “That is the only real opportunity for legislators to hear from state agencies, the public, counties and cities, and businesses about the issues that are affecting them. The legislators can workshop those and share knowledge, and think about what bills should be proposed in the upcoming session.”
Whites added that “appropriate voter protection legal options” are being explored.
LRC Public Information Manager Mike Wynn said in an email that “LRC is reviewing information on this matter as it becomes available and communicating with legislative leaders.”
“But as a neutral, non-partisan administrative office, we do not comment on possible investigations or actions that may involve legislators, including committee assignments,” Wynn added.
Editor’s note: This story was updated Thursday afternoon with additional comments.
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