Chairman's Update
June 18, 2020
This is a new weekly update from Pennsylvania Republican Party Chairman Lawrence Tabas filling you in on what our statewide party leaders are up to, along with relevant news pertaining to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
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Good evening, Pennsylvania.
I hope everyone is remaining happy and healthy during this unique time.
Our Republican leadership had a busy week, so I will keep this introduction short.
We are less than four months away from Election Day and things are heating up in Pennsylvania. Our Republican primary winners are officially geared up to take on their Democratic opponents.
Everyday we are motivated more and more by the left of just how important it is to win this November. I cannot thank you enough for your support.
Sincerely,
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Lawrence J. Tabas
Chairman, Pennsylvania Republican Party
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It is no secret Governor Wolf is not the best at his job…to say the least.
Republican lawmakers are fed up with his lack of leadership and complete mishandling of the coronavirus pandemic. This is why they called for his impeachment.
House Resolution 915, introduced by Rep. Daryl Metcalfe, calls for Gov. Wolf to step down amid his disastrous mishandling and abuse of executive order surrounding the coronavirus.
In last week’s newsletter, we mentioned how the General Assembly and Republican leadership issued a joint statement raising concerns over Gov. Wolf’s executive order. Gov. Wolf refused to lift this emergency declaration, even while he stood shoulder to shoulder with protestors holding “BLUE LIVES MURDER” signs. At this point, “nonessential businesses” were still forced closed under Gov. Wolf’s executive order.
Gov. Wolf’s team has stated this impeachment resolution is unwarranted and that the Governor’s handling of the coronavirus was successful. We clearly must have different definitions of success.
→ Read more: Pennsylvania lawmakers introduce resolution calling for impeachment of Gov. Tom Wolf (Morning Call)
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U.S. Senator Toomey stands up for our health care workers
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 On June 11th, Senator Toomey announced that eight Pennsylvania health care providers received a total of $1,275,738 from the Federal Communications Commission's (FCC) COVID-19 Telehealth Program, which was established by the CARES Act.
The Provider Relief Fund was first authorized at $100 billion by the CARES Act to support COVID-19 expenses and lost revenue for hospitals and health care providers. In the recently passed "phase 3.5" coronavirus relief bill, Congress authorized an additional $75 billion, bringing the fund's total to $175 billion. To date, more than $39 billion has been disbursed from the Provider Relief Fund to providers and hospitals across the country. Thanks to Sen. Toomey, Pennsylvania hospitals and health care providers have received an additional $458,646,110 of the second $20 billion disbursement of the Provider Relief Fund.
→ Learn more: COVID-19 telehealth program (Federal Communications Commission)
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Senate leaders battled with Governor Wolf against emergency declaration
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 Senate President Pro Tempore Joe Scarnati and Senate Majority Leader Jake Corman were applauded by the Commonwealth Court’s decision to expedite consideration of the emergency case filed to force Gov. Wolf to comply with House Resolution 836, which was passed by the General Assembly with bipartisan support. The court issued an order this morning mandating a response from the administration on this matter by June 18.
In the court filing from earlier this week, the leaders explained that despite a majority of the Senate and the House of Representatives adopting HR 836, Gov. Wolf has refused to perform the mandatory and ministerial duty of issuing an executive order or proclamation ending the state of disaster emergency originally declared March 6, 2020 and amended and renewed on June 3, 2020.
“We are pleased that the Court has recognized the urgency of this matter and will be expediting review of the case. Protecting civil liberties is a crucial issue that impacts the lives of every Pennsylvanian. Our Constitution established three equal branches of government to provide checks and balance.”
→ Read more: Senator Scarnati progress on healthcare issues (Senator Joe Scarnati)
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Speaker Turzai isn't done yet
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 Speaker Mike Turzai’s reform bill that addresses criminal justice reform and policing within our communities was unanimously passed by the Judiciary Committee. House Bill 1841, House Bill 1910 and Senate Bill 637 are reforms to help our police better perform their very challenging and difficult responsibilities. We are working toward the passage of legislation that improves our law enforcement policing to instill an environment of healing, understanding and trust.
Speaker Turzai said that while his position has ended, there is still a job to do.
“I believe this will strengthen our confidence that this body will continue its promise of a better Pennsylvania for all citizens. I am sure the House will continue efforts to promote education choice, economic opportunity for all, and additional criminal justice reforms.
“The lives of every citizen matter, including the lives of those citizens of color. These reforms are important to all citizens, but especially to our citizens of black or brown color who feel threatened by a system that can disregard their humanity.”
→ Read more: Speaker Turzai reform bills unanimously passes (Pennsylvania House Republican Caucus)
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Meet our statewide candidates:
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→ One foot forward. Police reform bill advances out of Pa. House committee, could see House action next week (Penn Live)
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Please consider donating to help us elect qualified Republicans to our statewide offices. ⬇️
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