Dec. 22, 2020
HARRISBURG – Rep. Rob Mercuri (R-Allegheny) today sent a letter imploring Gov. Tom Wolf to reconsider his Christmas shutdown order and calling on Attorney General Josh Shapiro not to enforce the order while it’s still in effect.
Mercuri explained that the Christmas shutdown order, issued on Dec. 11, was unnecessarily punitive and not backed by science. Pennsylvanians who own restaurants, health clubs and other small businesses have invested their hard-earned life savings to comply with guidelines established by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to keep their customers and employees safe.
“Businesses still have operating costs to pay despite experiencing net losses through no control of their own. The governor’s orders aren’t accompanied with any financial relief. Instead, following his orders forces businesses to lay off their workers right at the holidays – further challenging families and the economy of the Commonwealth,” Mercuri said.
Some local businesses will not be able to rehire or reopen. The elevated rate of joblessness has contributed to people experiencing homelessness and food insecurity in higher numbers.
In addition to asking Wolf to lift his Christmas shutdown order, the letter also asked Shapiro not to enforce the arbitrary order against any business owner or establishment that is following the CDC and Pennsylvania Health Department guidelines.
“Pennsylvanians do not look to government for hope. We are a free and proud people, full of faith and hope in ourselves and each other. Perhaps our governor and attorney general need reminded of this fact,” Mercuri added.
Representative-Elect Rob Mercuri
28th Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Alison Evans
717.260.6206
aevans@pahousegop.com
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