Senate committee holds workshop on economic affect of COVID-19 policies

The Senate Majority Policy Committee recently held a workshop on the economic effects of the COVID-19 closure orders issued by Gov. Tom Wolf in March had on Northeastern Pennsylvania.

“We certainly have all seen the devastating effects this shutdown has had on our friends and neighbors, employees, employers, and the communities that host these businesses and nonprofits all over Pennsylvania,” Committee Chairman David G. Argall (R-Berks/Schuylkill) said. “We have been told that some of these employers will take years to financially recover and some, unfortunately, have had no choice but to close their workplaces even after being in operation for decades and decades.”

Speakers at the workshop included U.S. Sen. Bob Casey (D-PA); U.S. Rep. Dan Meuser (R-PA); Chris Barrett, representing the Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau; Robert S. Carl, Jr., representing the Schuylkill County Chamber of Commerce; and Dr. Steven Shapiro, UPMC Chief Medical Officer.

Panelists included employers that were forced to shut down as a result of the closure orders. The panelists testified that the closures had a large financial impact. They also were critical of the arbitrary issuance of reopening waivers.

Gitman Brothers in Ashland will be permanently closing after 88 years as a result of the shutdown order, Argall said.