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UPDATE: Lawmakers approved a concurrent resolution last week that requires Governor Wolf to terminate his COVID-19 emergency declaration, clearing the way for businesses to reopen safely statewide. The measure would not affect the state’s ability to receive federal funding or impact the ability of Pennsylvanians to receive unemployment and other federally funded benefits. 

To date, the governor has refused to do his Constitutional duty to end the disaster declaration. Senate leaders have petitioned the Commonwealth Court to force the governor to end his emergency declaration. Unfortunately, this means that until the issue is settled in the courts, all of the governor’s current orders remain in effect. However, this could change if the courts rule in favor of ending the declaration. In the meantime, I will continue to share information on the governor’s orders and guidance for informational purposes until the courts weigh in.

In This Update:

• Senate Hearings Planned on Turnpike Layoffs, Safe Reopening, Law Enforcement Reforms
• Guidelines Available for COVID-19 Small Business Assistance Grants
• New Guidance Available for Sports to Resume
• Information Available for Reopening Museums and Historical Societies

Senate Hearings Planned on Turnpike Layoffs, Safe Reopening, Law Enforcement Reforms

Several Senate committees are scheduled to address some of the most pressing issues facing Pennsylvania communities this week:

• Pennsylvania Turnpike plans to layoff at least 500 employees and switch to an all-electronic tolling system. Senate Transportation Committee and Senate Labor and Industry Committee, Monday, 10 a.m.

• Northeastern Pennsylvania employers and employees negatively affected by the governor’s shutdown. Senate Majority Policy Committee, Tuesday, 10 a.m.

• Accountability and equality in law enforcement and the criminal justice system. Senate Judiciary Committee and Senate Law and Justice Committee, Wednesday & Thursday, 10 a.m.

All of the hearings will be streamed live at www.pasenategop.com.

Guidelines Available for COVID-19 Small Business Assistance Grants

I supported a law approved by the Senate earlier this month that directs $2.6 billion in funding from the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act for critical needs that have arisen during the COVID-19 pandemic. As part of the new law, a total of $225 million in grants are available for small businesses impacted by the virus.

Funding will be available through three programs:

• $100 million for the Main Street Business Revitalization Program for small businesses that experienced losses as a result of the Governor’s March 19 business closure order.
• $100 million for the Historically Disadvantaged Business Revitalization Program for small businesses that experienced loss as a result of the business closure order.
• $25 million for the Loan Payment Deferment and Loss Reserve Program.

More information on the new funding is available here. A complete breakdown of the CARES Act funding is available here.

New Guidance Available for Recreational Sports to Resume

Professional, recreational, collegiate, high school and youth sports can now resume statewide under new guidance that was announced last week. The guidance includes screening and monitoring coaches and players for COVID-19 symptoms, bringing individual drinks instead of using water coolers or fixed water fountains, avoiding handshakes and other unnecessary contact, not sharing equipment whenever possible, limiting spectators and developing a plan of action if a coach, athlete or official is diagnosed with the virus.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control has also released specific guidance for youth sports organizations, including recommendations to maintain a healthy environment, assess risks and promote practices to reduce the spread of COVID-19.

Information Available for Reopening Museums and Historical Societies

The Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission recently created a new webpage to share advice for museums, historical societies and preservation organizations that are beginning to reopen after closures related to COVID-19.

The new webpage includes health and safety guidance, funding resources and more.

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