Senate Votes to End Gov’s Emergency Declaration

On Thursday the Pennsylvania Senate voted to end Governor Wolf’s emergency disaster emergency declaration by a 30-20 margin joining the House.

The declaration has been in place for the past 15 months, also surviving  challenges in the United States Supreme Court. 

Wolf can not sign or veto bill saying on Tuesday at a press conference that he had no issue with Republicans to challenge his authority on emergency declarations.

Wolf lifted mitigation orders last month except those pertaining to mask wearing for those not vaccinated.

Its not clear if the Thursday Senate vote brings an immediate end to the declaration. Last month Pennsylvania voters approved the power of the legislature to regulate the length of emergency orders. Since the results of the May primaries have yet to be officially certified that question remains.

The state Republican party said on its social media platforms Thursday “With Senate action today and House action two days ago, the Governor’s absolute power is finally terminated. Laws are made for a reason and in this case, we actually had to amend the constitution — because for the first time in history we had a governor who had seized and exercised absolute power for more than a year and a half — and he wasn’t giving it up. Thanks to our legislators who drafted the amendments — and all of you for voting “Yes.” No Pennsylvania governor will ever be able to this again.”

On Wednesday the Senate also passed a measure prohibiting “vaccine passports” and limiting the states health secretary’s powers when it comes to fighting contagious diseases.

Wolf has vowed to veto both bills.