HARRISBURG – State Senator Pat Stefano (R-32) today applauded Pennsylvania voters for voting yes on two amendments to the Pennsylvania Constitution in Tuesday’s Primary Election.
The two amendments to the Constitution were designed to improve the way the state responds to future emergencies. One limits an emergency declaration to 21 days unless the General Assembly approves a longer duration. The other clarifies that the governor will not be able to unilaterally veto legislative action that ends the declaration, as Gov. Tom Wolf has done.
Senator Stefano issued the following statement:
“For more than a year, the governor ran rampant with power he commandeered that didn’t sit solely with him. Our government has checks and balances for the protection of all citizens, but they were not being respected. Yesterday, voters took an important step in reclaiming their rights during emergency declarations.
“Pennsylvanians deserve much more transparency than they have received in the last year, and I am confident that will improve when the General Assembly is able to rightly fulfill its collaborative role. As vaccine distribution demonstrated, how the emergency is handled will also improve when the General Assembly is able to insert the voice of the people.
“Government is not entitled to unfettered control over its people, and thankfully, that era is over.”
CONTACT: Mark Fetzko, mfetzko@pasen.gov