Heffley Issues Statement on Resolution Controversy

June 11, 2020

HARRISBURG – Rep. Doyle Heffley (R-Carbon) today issued the following statement regarding the disagreement between the General Assembly and Gov. Tom Wolf over the legality of House Resolution 836. The measure, which would terminate the governor’s COVID-19 disaster emergency declaration, was passed by the House and Senate in a bipartisan vote on Tuesday.

“Our intent is to fully reopen the economy by ending the governor’s COVID-19 emergency declaration that has resulted in a prolonged shutdown of businesses and done severe damage to the lives of millions of Pennsylvanians.

“We believe the governor is in clear violation of state law, which says, in Title 35, Section 7301(c): ‘The General Assembly by concurrent resolution may terminate a state of disaster emergency at any time. Thereupon, the Governor shall issue an executive order or proclamation ending the state of disaster emergency.’

“As a result of his refusal to follow the law, the issue is now headed to court, where I hope for a quick review and resolution.

“Meanwhile, the governor continues to operate under the status quo, with his red-yellow-green restrictions still in effect, leaving more questions than answers for business owners, unemployed workers, and all state residents.

“No one wanted to get to this point. The House has tried many, many times to engage the governor and work with him to create a path forward through this pandemic, but he has refused to work together and continues to act unilaterally, without regard for the General Assembly and the people we represent.

“You sent me to Harrisburg to make sure your voice is being heard, and I am doing everything I can to make that happen.”

Representative Doyle Heffley
122nd Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Andy Briggs
717.260.6474
abriggs@pahousegop.com
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