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Hi John,
Earlier this week, a dangerous proposed constitutional amendment to limit disaster emergency declarations passed the House. Once approved by both chambers, it will appear as a ballot question in the upcoming primary.


House Bill 55 would severely restrict the Governor’s authority to declare a state disaster emergency, which would threaten Pennsylvania’s ability to apply for federal disaster aid and potentially cost us billions of dollars in federal funding.


This bill represents Republicans’ last stand in their effort to permanently strip authority from the Governor and put it in the hands of a GOP-majority legislature—for no other reason than to punish the current Governor for taking steps to stop the spread of COVID-19.


In actuality, this bill would be punishing all Pennsylvanians. The proposal includes an arbitrary 21-day limit on state disaster emergencies, after which point the General Assembly would decide whether to extend or not.


Here are just some of the potential harms that
HB55 could cause :
*
May
delay
or
eliminate
the
ability
of
the
Commonwealth
to
quickly
and
efficiently
receive
and
distribute
FEMA-provided
assistance
*
Will
jeopardize
the
ability
of
state
agencies,
county
and
local
governments,
school
districts,
and
certain
non-profits
to
seek
reimbursement
through
FEMA
for
costs
of
emergency
protective
measures.
*
Will
impact
mass
vaccination
clinics
planned
to
be
implemented
by
PEMA
under
the
state
disaster
emergency,
as
well
as
emergency
procurement
abilities
to
run
mass
vaccination
sites.



With the likelihood this measure will end up before voters on the May primary ballot , it's critical that we continue to get the word out about its dangers. That's why we need your help to keep sounding the alarm. [[link removed]]


Republicans were eager to force this measure onto the ballot quickly and during a low-turnout election to limit the public's actual say.


I hope you'll stand with me and stand up to the leaders in Harrisburg who want to silence our voices. [[link removed]]


Sincerely,

Rep. Melissa Shusterman
[[link removed]]
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Melissa Shusterman for State Representative
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Phoenixville, PA 19460
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