Pa Rep. Barb Gleim Votes Against Excavation Safety Bill While Her Family Runs an Excavation Business and Fails to Disclose It

Republican State Rep. Barb Gleim cast one of only six votes against a bipartisan excavation safety bill that passed the Pennsylvania House 196 to 6. What Gleim did not make clear to the public is that her family owns and operates an excavation business that would be directly affected by the law she tried to block.

The legislation makes the PA One Call system permanent and strengthens requirements for locating underground utility lines to prevent gas explosions, pipeline damage, and injuries to workers and the public. It is supported by the Public Utility Commission, labor groups, and safety experts. Gleim opposed it anyway.

Her vote aligns with her family’s financial interests, but she did not disclose that conflict when casting her vote. While Republicans often accuse others of ignoring transparency rules, Gleim chose to keep her own ties out of view while voting against a bill designed to protect workers, homeowners, and essential infrastructure.

Instead of putting public safety first, Gleim sided with her family’s bottom line and hoped no one would notice.