North Lancaster News

In response to Governor Tom Wolf's recent decision to impose a statewide mask mandate for K-12 public schools in Pennsylvania, several state representatives have expressed their concerns. Representatives Mindy Fee, Keith Greiner, Dave Hickernell, Brett Miller, and Dave Zimmerman issued a joint statement addressing the governor's actions.

The statement highlights that during the summer, Governor Wolf had indicated that local school districts and leaders would be responsible for making decisions regarding masking policies. However, the representatives point out that despite voters' preferences for limiting unilateral decision-making in emergency situations, the governor has used the Department of Health to implement a uniform masking mandate.

"All through the summer, Gov. Wolf made public statements that school districts and local leaders would be making determinations on masking policies in schools," the statement reads. It continues by referencing recent constitutional amendments intended to curb what they describe as Governor Wolf's "lone wolf" leadership style.

The representatives emphasize their support for local school boards in Lancaster County, which have been actively engaging with parents and medical professionals to make informed decisions tailored to their communities. "We stand behind our local school boards and support the decisions they make on behalf of their students, families, and staff," they stated.

After months of navigating pandemic-related challenges and with new constitutional limits on executive power in place, these legislators express disappointment over what they see as Governor Wolf's continued centralization of control. They conclude by reiterating their stance against what they perceive as his reluctance to relinquish unilateral authority.