PENNSYLVANIA: TERMINATING GOVERNOR WOLF’S DISASTROUS SHUTDOWN DECLARATION

Pennsylvania State Legislature Votes To Revoke Emergency Shutdown Order

BY REP. STEPHANIE BOROWICZ

 

In order to fully reopen Pennsylvania’s economy, the state House and Senate have voted to terminate the governor’s COVID-19 emergency declaration that has resulted in a prolonged shutdown of the state’s businesses and done severe damage to the lives of millions of Pennsylvanians.

House Resolution 836 passed the House in a bipartisan vote of 121-81 just days after the governor extended his emergency declaration by ANOTHER 90 days.

Although he is required to issue an executive order or proclamation ending the state of disaster emergency upon passage of our concurrent resolution, the governor is refusing to follow the law.

Ever since concurrent passage of House Resolution 836, a great deal of misinformation is being put forth by the Wolf administration and the media.

Here are some of the most important facts to keep in mind:

•   The General Assembly has done everything it needs to do under the law to end Wolf's emergency declaration.
•   The Pennsylvania Supreme Court solidified this position in a ruling earlier this year, stating the General Assembly has the ability to terminate the order at any time.
•   The law is clear. Once a resolution is passed, “the Governor SHALL issue an executive order or proclamation terminating the declaration.”
•   Rather than obeying the law, the governor is using scare tactics, threatening licensing repercussions and other warnings to residents who want nothing more than to get back to work or reopen their businesses.
•   House Resolution 836 WOULD NOT jeopardize other federal funding that will be critical in supporting the Commonwealth through this financially challenging time.

Finally, the resolution we passed would dissolve Wolf’s phased reopening, if he was following the law. Since he is not, we are working as quickly as possible to take legal action on behalf of the People. In fact, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court has indicated it will be taking on the case.

You sent me to Harrisburg to make sure your voice is being heard, and I am doing everything I can to make that happen.