Senator Pat Stefano (R-32) offered the following statement on Governor Wolf’s announcement that he is easing restrictions on the restaurant and hospitality industry and other job-creators, more than a year after he shut down many businesses.
“This announcement is long-overdue and much-needed relief for many job-creators, including restaurants, taverns and gyms. They have worked throughout the pandemic to operate safely and follow guidelines and regulations issued by the governor, but many have gone out of business and laid-off workers because of unfair and arbitrary constraints.”
“The legislature worked diligently last September to pass House Bill 2513, which included my amendment to implement the exact relief measures announced today. Unfortunately, and to the disappointment of many small businesses, the governor vetoed the legislation when it arrived at his desk last October.”
“For far too long, Governor Wolf has used his unilateral authority to change and suspend state laws and shut down local economies, putting many people out of work.”
“That is why the two constitutional amendments appearing on the May 18th ballot are so important. They would limit an emergency declaration to 21 days unless the General Assembly approved a longer duration. They also clarify that the governor will not be able to unilaterally veto legislative action that ends the declaration, as Governor Wolf has done.”
CONTACT: Mark Fetzko (mfetzko@pasen.gov)