Sep. 23, 2020
HARRISBURG – Rep. Mike Reese (R-Westmoreland/Somerset) issued the following statement today after an effort to override Gov. Tom Wolf’s veto of his legislation to support parents and students failed by a vote of 130-71.
House Bill 2787, which would ensure decisions about school sports and activities, including policies regarding spectators, are made at the local level, originally passed the House with 155 “yes” votes, more than enough to meet the two-thirds majority necessary to override the governor’s veto.
“I am dumbfounded by the 24 members who decided loyalty to their governor was more important than our kids and their families. All the students want is the opportunity to play and perform; all their loved ones want is the opportunity to watch their children shine and learn the many important lessons that go along with participating in team sports and group activities. The members who voted against the override – particularly those who initially supported the bill and now changed their vote – should be ashamed of the disregard they have shown to the people they were elected to represent.
“The governor gave local school officials the authority to make decisions about how to return students to learning this fall. His unwillingness to give them the same authority to make decisions about sports, activities and spectators is nothing more than a continuation of his power grab. Sadly, he cajoled enough of his members into supporting him instead of the citizens of this Commonwealth.”
Representative Mike Reese
59th District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Patricia Hippler
717.772.9846
phippler@pahousegop.com
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