Jun. 09, 2020
HARRISBURG – Rep. Clint Owlett (R-Tioga/Bradford/Potter) issued this statement following passage of House Resolution 836, which ends Gov. Tom Wolf’s emergency declaration regarding COVID-19:
“It is time for our Commonwealth to move forward. Our business owners and workers are creative and innovative problem solvers. They are ready to reopen in a safe and responsible way.
“In recent days, my office was contacted by a man who is down to the last $24 in his bank account; an area company announced it is taking its business to another state, leaving 200 employees’ futures in question; and I’ve learned one of my favorite restaurants will not be reopening. These are just a few examples of the heart-wrenching stories I have heard over the last three months.
“The coronavirus is not going away, and we cannot stay on lockdown forever. We must act to protect both lives and livelihoods.
“It is equally important that the General Assembly acts to put an end to the unilateral decision-making of the governor over the last three months. We are an equal branch of government and it’s time to restore that balance.”
Owlett noted additional steps are required to officially end the shutdown, and the governor may choose to fight the General Assembly’s decision.
Representative Clint Owlett
68th District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives