HARRISBURG – The state Senate took an important step today to continue its operations safely by passing a resolution allowing members to vote remotely, according to Senator Doug Mastriano (R-33).
The temporary emergency rules included in Senate Resolution 318 will ensure the Senate can continue voting even when lawmakers cannot be physically present at the Capitol Building in Harrisburg due to coronavirus mitigation efforts that are ongoing statewide.
“Senators were elected to serve the people and that’s what I continue to do during this unprecedented situation,” said Mastriano. “Public outreach and transparency are very important to me – – – I have conducted daily Facebook Live updates as well as a district-wide email regarding the latest COVID-19 information disseminated by federal, state and county agencies. We will get through this time by working together.”
The resolution creates a mechanism for members to file bills electronically and to participate in committee meetings and session through the use of communications technology. The emergency powers are scheduled to expire July 31, 2020 or 10 days following the expiration of the Governor’s emergency order, whichever is sooner.
Wednesday’s session was very brief and social distancing was strongly encouraged for members in accordance with guidelines from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and the Pennsylvania Department of Health.
In order to ensure transparency, session was announced well in advance and streamed live for the public at www.PASenateGOP.com.
Mastriano’s district offices are closed to walk-in traffic, but staff is available via phone or email during normal public business hours.
CONTACT: Scot Andrew Pitzer; spitzer@pasen.gov