HARRISBURG –Senator Pat Stefano (R-32) issued the following statement on the Wolf administration’s decision to increase maximum occupancy limits to 50% for indoor events and gatherings and 75% for outdoor events and gatherings effective Monday, May 17, at 12:01 a.m.:
“This is long overdue news for our small businesses that have been struggling to survive despite the governor’s oppressive occupancy limits. These businesses have worked throughout the pandemic to operate safely and follow inconsistent guidelines and regulations issued by the governor. Unfortunately, it comes too late for so many that have already been forced to shut their doors forever without being given the opportunity to operate both profitably and safely.
“But we can’t take a false sense of security in this announcement as the governor is still unilaterally controlling how our employers operate, even though more people are getting vaccinated. That’s why it’s critical for all registered voters to be informed about what their votes on proposed constitutional amendments would mean at the polls on May 18.
“The proposed amendments will affect our local communities and the entire Commonwealth. Voters will have the power to protect both personal health and personal freedom by ensuring a balance between the executive and legislative branches. Then, the small business owners and their employees, with the support of the General Assembly, would no longer be at the whim of the governor under the current disaster emergency declaration or any other in the future.”
Contact: Jake Gery, jgery@pasen.gov