PA Senate Bill Empowers County Officials to Develop Mitigation Plans
Doylestown, PA– The Bucks County Republican Committee today announced its support for state legislation that would empower county governments to develop and implement policies to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 in accordance with federal health guidelines.
“Our county leaders need a stronger voice in deciding which mitigation measures make sense for our community. The governor’s current waiver process for essential businesses provides neither clarity nor consistency for our small businesses,” said Chair Pat Poprik. “Senate Bill 327 would empower the Bucks County Commissioners to permit certain local businesses to reopen as long as they comply with mitigation strategies. This reasonable approach would allow Bucks County to make it own decisions regarding our health and livelihood. Our community should have a say when we can get back to work – not just bureaucrats in Harrisburg.”
Senate Bill 327 would give county governments the option to develop and implement their own plans to mitigate the spread of COVID-19, following guidelines issued by the U.S. Centers for Disease control and the U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency. Under the bill, businesses already identified as essential could continue to operate. However, counties would also be given the authority to develop plans to allow other industries to operate if it is safe to do so.
Senate Bill 327 passed the Pennsylvania State Senate last week by a 29-21 vote. Bucks County PA Senators Tomlinson and Mensch voted in favor and PA Senators Santarsiero and Collet voted against.
