House Republicans Make Progress in Path to COVID-19 Recovery

Apr. 21, 2020 /

HARRISBURG – House Republicans continue to carry the voices of Pennsylvanians fighting to save their jobs and livelihoods during this pandemic, acting this week to once again save jobs, launch a cost and recovery task force, and put a hold on expensive and burdensome regulatory practices during the emergency declaration. House Republicans passed an amended version of Senate Bill 327, as well as other substantive legislative measures.

House Approves Roae One Staffer/One Shopper Bill to Protect Customers While Safely Reopening Small Retail Stores

Apr. 21, 2020 /

HARRISBURG – Pennsylvania’s economy came one step closer to reopening today when the state House in Harrisburg approved a bill introduced by Rep. Brad Roae (R-Crawford/Erie) that’s intended to enable small businesses to serve their customers in a way that complies with public health officials’ recommendations for social distancing during the coronavirus pandemic.

Owlett Bill to Aid First Responders Amid COVID-19 Pandemic Heads to Governor’s Desk

Apr. 21, 2020 /

HARRISBURG–Working to protect the state’s dedicated first responders and the citizens who rely on them, the General Assembly has approved and sent to the governor’s desk Rep. Clint Owlett’s (R-Tioga/Bradford/Potter) bill to authorize ambulance staffing waivers and extend benefits to first responders who contract COVID-19.

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.