Senate committee holds workshop on safely opening economy

The Senate Majority Policy Committee recently held a workshop on ways to safely reopen southeastern Pennsylvania’s economy following Gov. Tom Wolf’s public health emergency.

Southeastern Pennsylvania was the first to close when Wolf issued his business closure order and the last to reopen, state Sen. Tom Killion (R-Chester/Delaware) said.

The unemployment rate in Berks County was between 3 and 4 percent before the pandemic, Chris Pruitt from East Penn Manufacturing said, but now that rate is 17 percent. It was difficult to find employees before the epidemic, he said, but the company still is not receiving applications despite the fact it’s hiring.

“Investors do not want to fund something that a governor can just shut down and keep shut down even as the science changes,” Dave Magrogan from Harvest Seasonal Grill & Wine Bar said. “We have had a difficult time getting the message to Governor Wolf. I think the biggest thing we realize is that the Health Secretary and Governor Wolf did not understand small business and how they could operate. We have been pushing for equality between the big box retailers and our small businesses.”

The workshop was held at the request of Sen. Bob Mensch (R-Berks/Bucks/Montgomery).