Jun. 09, 2020
HARRISBURG – Rep. Ryan Warner (R-Fayette/Westmoreland) issued the following statement after joining a majority of his House colleagues in voting to fully terminate the governor’s emergency declaration on Tuesday. The Senate also approved House Resolution 863 earlier in the day.
“Representative government is the hallmark of democracy. For far too long, Gov. Tom Wolf has acted unilaterally – and often ineffectively – to 'control’ the spread of COVID-19. Our citizens met the goal of flattening the curve to avoid overwhelming our health care system weeks ago. Our citizens WANT and NEED to get back to work to support themselves and their families. Business owners are ready to reopen their doors and do so safely and responsibly.
“This disaster declaration – which the governor acted to renew for another 90 days last week – has gone on far too long. The unilateral decision-making from the governor and his secretary of Health must end. The General Assembly is a duly elected and coequal branch of government with not just the ability but the duty to listen to our citizens and act in their best interests.
“We have heard your frustrations. From the inconsistencies and lack of fairness in the business waiver system, to the collapse of the unemployment compensation system, to the constantly changing ‘guidance’ on how to conduct our business and our lives, and finally to the deadly mismanagement of our long-term care facilities, it’s time for the governor to stand down and restore the power to the people of this Commonwealth.
“We in the House and Senate have heard your voices while the governor has proven himself to be out of touch with you and the challenges you are facing. You have told us enough is enough, and as a result we have voted to terminate the governor’s emergency declaration. This is truly a win for democracy.”
Representative Ryan Warner
52nd Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives