HARRISBURG – Senator Scott Martin (R-Lancaster) issued the following statement today following the Department of Health’s announcement they were withdrawing proposed regulations that would have vastly expanded government’s power over the lives of Pennsylvanians:
“Over the past several weeks, I have heard from so many constituents who had serious concerns about the Department’s attempts to infringe upon our rights. The Shapiro Administration’s efforts to intrude upon our homes, our schools, our kids, our private health information, and our businesses gave many Pennsylvanians fears of COVID déjà vu. Nobody wants to go back to that time of government overreach.
“I have said before that I firmly believe we can modernize the state’s approach to monitoring and responding to health concerns without sacrificing our freedom. The Department of Health said it intends to resubmit new proposed regulations at a future date, and rest assured we will be monitoring this situation closely. This process should be collaborative, transparent and thoughtful with a clear eye toward keeping government in check.
“Today’s announcement is a clear victory for the people of Pennsylvania. Make no mistake, these regulations were only abandoned by the Shapiro Administration because thousands of Pennsylvanians made their voices heard on this issue by submitting comments to the Independent Regulatory Review Commission in opposition. This win belongs to each and every one of them.”
Martin was one of the authors of two constitutional amendments approved by voters in 2021 to limit the power of the Executive Branch, and he was the first legislator to submit public comments opposing the Department of Health’s regulations last week. He was joined by numerous other lawmakers and stakeholder groups in voicing opposition to the proposed regulations.
CONTACT: Jason Thompson