Sep. 15, 2021
HARRISBURG – Recognizing the means in which Gov. Tom Wolf, through the Department of Health, issued a statewide mask mandate for students and school staff, exceeded his authority, Rep. Dawn Keefer (R-Dillsburg) joined members of the House Health Committee to call on the Joint Committee on Documents to review the mandate.
“For more than a year, the governor has sidestepped the Legislature by imposing mandate after mandate that has impacted every Pennsylvanian. His latest mandate was no exception,” Keefer said. “In asking the committee to review the mandate, we firmly believe the Wolf administration overstepped its authority.”
The Joint Committee on Documents is made up of 11 members, including leaders from both chambers, appointees from the executive branch, the attorney general and two members of the public.
As stated in Section 7.1 of the Pennsylvania Regulatory Review Act, if a standing committee or commission finds that a published or unpublished document has been unilaterally promulgated, then the committee can present the matter to the Joint Committee on Documents. The Joint Committee on Documents shall then determine whether the document should be promulgated as a regulation.
In its letter, the Health Committee argues: “acting Secretary Alison Beam violated the law by issuing the August 31 Order because the order is a ‘rule’ or ‘regulation’ and Beam did not follow the rulemaking procedures that are required under the Commonwealth Documents Law and the Regulatory Review Act.”
“It’s well beyond time Wolf understands he is not above the law and moreover, does not hold a seat in the branch of government able to write law,” said Keefer. “The people of Pennsylvania spoke loud and clear on May 18th. They do not want a governor with unbridled power, and we, as General Assembly members, are going to do everything within our legislative power to make sure he abides by the laws and the Constitution he took an oath to uphold.”
To read the full letter, click here.
Representative Dawn Keefer
92nd Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Greg Gross
717.260.6374
ggross@pahousegop.com
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