(HARRISBURG) – A plan by State Senator Scott Martin (R-13) is designed to prevent an excess use of power by the state Secretary of Health while ensuring the protection of public health.
“In May, Pennsylvanians voted to put an end to more than a year of executive fiats and confusing guidance from the Wolf Administration agencies,” Senator Martin said. “Despite that, the Wolf Administration this week showed its willingness to continue to make unilateral decisions to rule over Pennsylvanians. My bill will make the changes needed to ensure that the people’s desire to restore a system of checks and balances is fulfilled.”
Senator Martin’s legislation would clarify that the Pennsylvania Secretary of Health’s powers to respond to emergencies stem only from an existing public health disaster emergency declaration.
“Pennsylvanians sent an unequivocal message to the Executive Branch during the 2021 Primary, and bypassing their intent by taking emergency actions, without declaring an emergency, is unacceptable,” Senator Martin said. “This bill is necessary because the Wolf Administration has again chosen to do an end run around the will of the people.”
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Contact: Terry Trego