Republicans in the General Assembly recently presented Gov. Tom Wolf with a resolution that would end the state’s COVID-19 emergency declaration.
The Wolf administration previously had tried to block the implementation of House Resolution (HR) 836. The resolution had bipartisan support in the General Assembly.
“By presenting HR 836 to Governor Wolf for signature, we are hopeful he will abandon his attempt to govern on his own and begin to work with the legislature to do what is in the best interest of all Pennsylvanians,” Senate President Pro Tempore Joe Scarnati (R-Cameron County) and Majority Leader Jake Corman (R-Centre County) said in a statement.
“The unilateral decisions made by the executive branch caused hardships for families and communities in every corner of the Commonwealth,” the legislators said. “Despite the challenges that can be seen across the state, the Governor has repeatedly spurned attempts by the General Assembly to provide input through legislation. While we work to protect lives, we cannot disregard the civil liberties of Pennsylvanians. Our Constitution established three co-equal branches of government that provides checks and balances.”
House Speaker Bryan Cutler (R-Lancaster County) and Majority Leader Kerry Benninghoff (R-Centre and Mifflin counties) said Wolf’s decisions during this emergency declaration have denied children educational opportunities and forced millions out of work.