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.
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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.
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.
Sincerely,
Rep. Melissa Shusterman
