Philadelphia, PA - As Pennsylvanians go to the polls today, they will have the chance to strip the governor’s disaster declaration powers.
Pennsylvanians Vote to Limit The Governor’s Disaster Declaration Powers
As Pennsylvania voters take to the polls, they will finally get to device whether to limit the governor's powers during a disaster or emergency.
The ballet questions (see below) give lawmakers a two-thirds vote the ability to end a disaster declaration. The new amendment would also limit disaster declarations ordered by the state's governor to 21 days giving lawmakers the decision on whether or not to extend any emergency amendments
During the past pandemic, lawmakers have repeatedly voted to overturn pandemic response policies ordered by present Gov. Tom Wolf.
What Are the Ballet Questions
Question 1
Shall the Pennsylvania Constitution be amended to change existing law and increase the power of the General Assembly to unilaterally terminate or extend a disaster emergency declaration — and the powers of Commonwealth agencies to address the disaster regardless of its severity pursuant to that declaration — through passing a concurrent resolution by simple majority, thereby removing the existing check and balance of presenting a resolution to the Governor for approval or disapproval?
Question 2
Shall the Pennsylvania Constitution be amended to change existing law so that: a disaster emergency declaration will expire automatically after 21 days, regardless of the severity of the emergency, unless the General Assembly takes action to extend the disaster emergency; the Governor may not declare a new disaster emergency to respond to the dangers facing the Commonwealth unless the General Assembly passes a concurrent resolution; the General Assembly enacts new laws for disaster management?
The issue for most Pennsylvanians voting for the amendment had been the governor repeatedly extended his first emergency order during the pandemic was issued in March for 90 days without a say from the voters or state legislators. The vote will allow the people of Pennsylvania to decide who should have powers to extend emergency orders.
