Wolf Rejects Sensible Bill to Reopen Businesses

Apr. 21, 2020 /

HARRISBURG – Just hours after announcing his version of a “plan” to reopen Pennsylvania businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic, Gov. Tom Wolf vetoed Senate Bill 613, which included an amendment by Rep. Dawn Keefer (R-York/Cumberland) to put federally recognized standards in place to determine life sustaining businesses, (utilized by 44 other states,) and require those businesses determined to be life sustaining to follow CDC safety guidelines. In response, Keefer issued the following statement:

Gregory Disappointed with Governor's Veto

Apr. 21, 2020 /

HARRISBURG – Rep. Jim Gregory (R-Blair)on Monday pledged to continue fighting to support businesses despite Gov. Tom Wolf’s veto of Senate Bill 613, which would have reopened businesses that followed safety measures recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Mihalek’s Bill to Reopen Car Sales in PA Passes House, Heads to Senate

Apr. 21, 2020 /

HARRISBURG – Rep. Natalie Mihalek (R-Allegheny/Washington) announced today her legislation that would require the Department of Community and Economic Development to issue a waiver allowing all car dealerships to open while respecting the recommended Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines has passed the Pennsylvania House of Representatives.

House Leader Responds to Wolf Announcements

Apr. 20, 2020 /

HARRISBURG – House Majority Leader Rep. Bryan Cutler (R-Lancaster) issued the following statement regarding Governor Tom Wolf’s announcement to open certain segments of the economy and his veto of Senate Bill 613:

House Government Oversight Committee to Investigate State Gun Purchases

Apr. 17, 2020 /

HARRISBURG – The House Government Oversight Committee will investigate the Office of Inspector General’s (OIG) erroneous purchase of pistols, ammunition and other equipment, which cost taxpayers $160,000, and are sitting in storage unused, Rep. Seth Grove (R-Dover), chair of the House Government Oversight Committee, announced.

Food Supply Chain Needs Urgent Action

Apr. 17, 2020 /

HARRISBURG – Recognizing the urgent need to address immediate challenges impacting the food supply chain across Pennsylvania, House Republicans have urged Gov. Tom Wolf to protect employees, address supply capacity rates and address a packaging material shortage that is resulting in an untold amount of food waste at a time when the state and country need those resources the most.

Stephens Asks Levine to Expand Testing to All Long-Term Care Workers, Residents

Apr. 17, 2020 /

HARRISBURG—Rep. Todd Stephens (R-Montgomery) has written to the Pennsylvania secretary of Health asking the state to expand testing for COVID-19 to all workers and residents of long-term care facilities. Stephens will also introduce legislation to require the release of data on COVID-19 cases in long-term care facilities to give families the best information to protect their loved ones.

Polinchock Introduces Legislation to Allow Safe Real Estate Transactions

Apr. 16, 2020 /

HARRISBURG—Rep. Todd Polinchock (R-Bucks) has introduced legislation, House Bill 2412, to require the secretary of the Department of Community and Economic Development to issue a waiver to the COVID-19 Business Closure Order to allow all real estate-related activities that can adhere to social distancing practices and other mitigation measures defined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to protect workers and mitigate the spread of COVID-19.

House Passes Knowles’ Legislation Giving Employer Tax Credits to First Responders

Apr. 15, 2020 /

HARRISBURG – Legislation that would provide tax credits to employers who allow their employees, who are volunteer firefighters or ambulance personnel, to respond to emergencies during work hours passed the House unanimously on Tuesday. According to Rep. Jerry Knowles (R-Berks/Carbon/Schuylkill), the bill’s sponsor, these volunteers would receive no loss in pay and would not be required to use vacation time or sick time while serving their communities.

Mehaffie Applauds Passage of COVID-19 Bills

Apr. 15, 2020 /

HARRISBURG –The Pennsylvania House of Representatives advanced legislation Tuesday, April 14, to help eligible first responders who get COVID-19, direct the PA Health Care Cost Containment Council to gather data on the health care response, allow businesses to reopen if they choose and adhere to safety guidelines, and help notaries do their work via audio-video communication, according to Rep. Tom Mehaffie (R-Dauphin), who supported the measures.