HARRISBURG, Pa. (ErieNewsNow) - Pennsylvania Speaker of the House Mark Rozzi (D-Berks) assembled a group of bipartisan lawmakers to find ways to break the gridlock that has left Harrisburg at a standstill. 

The workgroup’s final listening tour stop was last night in Wilkes-Barre. Now, it’s back to Harrisburg for Speaker Rozzi, as he works with the group on a fair set of operating rules for the lower chamber. 

“There's nothing more important to me. I want to get the House back up and running. But like I said, from day one, it's going to be something that the people, the 13 million residents of this commonwealth, can be proud of. Not politicians,” said Rozzi at the conclusion of the listening tour. 

Rules, and an omnibus bill that includes a two-year civil window for victims of childhood sexual abuse, have been at the forefront of disagreement in the House. Rozzi has stated the House will not consider passing any legislation until it passes the two-year window. It’s a priority that is personal for Rozzi, a survivor of childhood sexual abuse. 

“As a victim myself, I can't tell you what that means to me to hear you give your voice, to the people, and to other victims who are out there possibly struggling, who need to hear from us so that they can be brave and courageous,” said Rozzi as he thanked members of the public, including survivors, last night. 

The Republican-controlled Senate passed the two-year window constitutional amendment, along with two additional constitutional amendments regarding regulatory override and voter ID. The two-year window has bipartisan support, but the others are unpopular among Rozzi and Democrats.  

Rozzi faces an uphill battle in bringing both parties together, as his rocky relationship with Republican Leadership may be exacerbated upon his return. Tensions have been high between he and House GOP Leadership ever since they nominated, and supported him for Speaker on Jan. 3. House Republican Leader Bryan Cutler (R-Lancaster) says Rozzi promised to change his affiliation to Independent, which he has yet to do. 

“It is nearly breathtaking that in such a short amount of time, so many clear promises have been broken, and the trust I placed in you with my vote has been violated. It is also completely unacceptable,” said Cutler in a letter to Rozzi on Thursday. 

Before embarking on the workgroup tour, Rozzi gaveled the House out of session and said the chamber doors would remain locked until there was some agreement. Republicans argue that keeping the House doors locked is an improper use of Rozzi's authority as Speaker. But the chamber doors are not the only locked doors that have Republicans frustrated. 

Cutler’s letter to Rozzi yesterday addressed concerns over a change in locks, ordered by Rozzi, for an office within the Capitol. In the letter, Cutler says the office contains sensitive information. 

“To begin, your coordination with the Department of General Services (“DGS”) without the knowledge or supervision of our Chief Clerk's Office or Sergeant-at-Arms Department is completely unacceptable and is a significant breach of internal security,” wrote Cutler to Rozzi. “The 401 Main Capitol Building suite of offices House both the Republican Caucus Chief of Staff and my Chief Counsel's respective offices. Through the nature of the work that these senior staff do, their offices contain sensitive and privileged information that neither you - nor any other member, Leader, Officer or employee of the House is entitled to access,” Cutler added. 

Even though Republicans have occupied the office space for years, it doesn’t mean they can’t be kicked out. According to a spokesperson for the Department of General Services (DGS) which handles lock changes, “The Speaker has full discretion over House office space.” 

The lock dilemma may seem insignificant, but it’s the latest indication that compromise, in a deadlocked Harrisburg, is unlikely in the near future.