North Lancaster News

HARRISBURG - The Lancaster County Republican Delegation, comprising House Speaker Bryan Cutler (R-Peach Bottom), Mindy Fee (R-Manheim), Keith J. Greiner (R-Upper Leacock), Dave Hickernell (R-West Donegal), Brett Miller (R-East Hempfield), Steve Mentzer (R-Lititz) and Dave Zimmerman (R-East Earl), issued a statement following Governor Tom Wolf's announcement at a press conference that he plans to veto a bipartisan transparency bill.

The bill, passed unanimously by the General Assembly, aims to ensure Right-to-Know (RTK) requests are answered during state of emergency declarations. The delegation expressed concern over the governor's decision.

“Gov. Tom Wolf’s actions during his COVID-19 disaster declaration continue to puzzle constituents and the Legislature. His refusal to sign a government transparency bill is now part of a series of steps going too far during this state-declared emergency,” they stated. “With the use of his veto pen, the governor has effectively eliminated any outside input that could be helpful for the Commonwealth to move forward and now he is threatening to do so again.”

They emphasized that the bill would facilitate information sharing between the Legislature and the governor while allowing the public and press to seek answers on critical questions during a public health emergency.

“During a public health emergency, these questions are vital to ensuring our government is doing everything possible to keep citizens safe in addition to promoting accountability,” they noted.

The delegation also criticized Gov. Wolf's approach as overly centralized: “It is perhaps most troubling that Gov. Wolf has decided only he has the knowledge to make life-or-death decisions for our businesses, nursing homes and long-term care facilities, and small-town rural hospitals.” They attributed economic difficulties faced by local businesses and healthcare facilities to his policies.

“No one person has the capacity to govern and issue mandates that affect the lives and livelihoods of millions of citizens across a diverse state during an emergency,” they argued, citing the need for co-equal branches of government as envisioned by the Founders.

They concluded by urging Gov. Wolf: “We urge the governor to listen to the voices of unemployed Pennsylvanians, small business owners and those who have lost family members due to COVID-19... It’s time for Gov. Wolf to sign House Bill 2463.”

Lancaster County House Republican Delegation

Pennsylvania House of Representatives