HARRISBURG – State Senator Doug Mastriano (R-33) expressed disappointment Tuesday after Governor Tom Wolf vetoed legislation what would have provided county governments more control over letting residents return to work.
The measures – recently approved by the General Assembly and formally sent to the Governor yesterday – would have brought back more than 200,000 jobs across Pennsylvania.
Additionally, the legislation would have allowed employers to resume operations under state and federal safety guidelines, and reopened real estate activities and legal services.
“Sadly, the Governor has viewed the emergency declaration as an autocracy,” said Mastriano. “Since day one of the pandemic, I have voiced concern about the Governor’s refusal to work with the General Assembly.”
“Pennsylvanians are ready to safely reopen our state, by following strict and specific health protocols,” added Mastriano. “Unfortunately, as long as the Governor continues to veto legislation, those decisions will be made by unelected bureaucrats in Harrisburg…not public health experts.”
Senate Bill 327 would have given county governments the option to develop and implement individual plans to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 and allow residents to safely return to work. Any plan must comply with U.S. Centers for Disease Control and state Department of Health safety guidelines to protect workers and customers.
House Bill 2388 would have required the Department of Community and Economic Development to issue waivers to the Governor’s business closure order to vehicle dealers, lawn and garden centers, cosmetology salons, barber shops, messenger and agent services, animal grooming services and manufacturing operations.
House Bill 2412 would have required waivers be issued to legal services and real estate sales activities to resume.
CONTACT: spitzer@pasen.gov