HARRISBURG – Stressing that Governor Wolf’s extended lockdown of Pennsylvania is hurting families and doing irreparable harm to employers, the Senate today voted to approve a measure that would end the statewide shutdown, according to Senator Judy Ward (R-30).
House Resolution 836 would end the executive order Wolf used to shut down businesses, which was issued on March 6 and renewed on June 3. The governor has used the emergency declaration to change and suspend state laws, spend state and federal taxpayer dollars without the approval of the General Assembly and prevent shuttered businesses from reopening with new safety measures in place.
The resolution would all allow companies in Pennsylvania to operate safely and consumers to use their services without the need for a business waiver process that has been roundly criticized as being arbitrary and unfair.
“Business owners have been fined and threatened with losing their state licensures for opening their businesses and trying to earn a living, as well as providing a living for their employees. We need to get all business back open,” Ward said. “We should be very wary when our liberties and freedoms are taken away under the guise of keeping us safe.”
Senator Ward added that the state Constitution clearly states that the power to suspend laws belongs to the Legislature, not the governor, and cited overwhelming support for a safe reopening of Pennsylvania.
Under the Pennsylvania Constitution, the General Assembly has the authority to terminate a state of disaster emergency at any time by Concurrent Resolution. Upon adoption of the Resolution, the Governor must issue an executive order or proclamation ending the state of disaster emergency.
CONTACT: Cheryl Schriner (717) 787-5490