Dec. 10, 2020
HARRISBURG – Concerned with the devastating effect additional COVID-19 shutdowns will have on Pennsylvania residents and businesses, Rep. Doyle Heffley (R-Carbon) today urged Gov. Tom Wolf to reconsider his decision to impose one. Wolf announced the new restrictions on Thursday afternoon.
Heffley detailed his request
in a letter sent to Wolf, Secretary of Health Dr. Rachel Levine and Acting Labor and Industry Secretary Jennifer Berrier.
“After seeing the damage that your previous shutdown orders have had on people and businesses in the spring, it is hard to imagine that another unilateral order of similar magnitude would have a different outcome,” Heffley wrote. “I understand the current situation with COVID-19 is becoming more stressful on our health care system because of the increased case numbers. I hope you choose to work with the Legislature in figuring out a response to this situation.”
Heffley is particularly concerned about the impact an additional shutdown will have on the state’s Unemployment Compensation system and the people who rely upon it.
“As seasonal unemployment claims naturally pick up, the last thing that people need is to be thrown back into an unemployment system that your administration has been incapable of handling,” he added. “Please consider the long-reaching consequences of those actions on our citizens, businesses and our Commonwealth.”