House Votes to Bring Clarity and Consistency for Pennsylvania Businesses, Metzgar Says
HARRISBURG – Rep. Carl Walker Metzgar (R-Somerset/Bedford) today announced that the House has approved
Senate Bill 613 to require the governor to follow federal guidelines to determine which businesses are considered life-sustaining, bringing parity to the Pennsylvania business community and keeping in line with practices of surrounding states.
“This bill would prevent the governor from using personal, arbitrary standards in deciding the fate of Pennsylvania’s businesses. They deserve consistency, clarity and uniformity in these difficult times,” said Metzgar. “The General Assembly has taken steps to safely operate during the emergency by adjusting our operations, and we need to give Pennsylvania’s businesses the same flexibility.”
Also passed by the House today was
Senate Bill 841, which would allow counties and local municipalities to extend their property tax discount periods and/or waive penalties and fees for late payment. Additionally, the bill would facilitate the collection of data for use in securing federal emergency funds; allow local government bodies to telecommunicate through authorized devices for the duration of the emergency; and allow school districts to reopen discussions with contractors.
“The actions we took today provide hope for Pennsylvania’s future by protecting the health and safety of Pennsylvanians while also taking steps to position our economy for recovery and providing financial security for our neighbors.”
Representative Carl Walker Metzgar
69th District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives