Senator Martin Supports Resolution to Get PA Back to Work, End Governor Wolf’s Business Shutdown Order

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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 Scott Martin (R-13). 

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.

Elected officials of Lancaster County began implementing a COVID-19 Relief Plan using the $95 million from the Federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES) in order to prepare for the re-opening of the Lancaster County economy. The plan creates a safe re-opening, especially for vulnerable populations by partnering with Penn Medicine’s Lancaster General Hospital (LGH) and focusing on the needs of nursing and long-term living homes. The plan also includes economic relief for small businesses to purchase Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and other loans for capital improvements. 

Senator Martin 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:   Terry Trego (717) 787-6535

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