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An update on COVID-19 actions by the PA Legislature and Wolf administration
WOLF ADMINISTRATION

Gov. Wolf Announces School Closures and Authority to Commandeer Supplies 

On April 8, Gov. Wolf signed an order announcing that under the Emergency Management Services Code, he has the authority “to commandeer or utilize any private, public, or quasi-public property if necessary to cope with the disaster emergency, subject to any applicable requirements for compensation.”
***This order is expected to be walked back significantly today. That will take place in the form of a capture form that will be circulated that includes updated guidance and is expected to just focus on auditing and requiring hospitals and skilled and long-term care facilities to report inventories for the initial round.

On April 9, Gov. Wolf announced that all schools would be closed for the remainder of the school year.

COVID-19 cases in PA continue to escalate. The most recent information provided by the administration included 1,751 new cases, bringing the statewide total to 19,979. Earlier this week, Gov. Wolf announced a "Pennsylvania Manufacturing Call to Action" portal, in an effort to help meet the demand for supplies. A news release regarding this can be found here. 
Image Source: Gov. Wolf Press Office
PA LEGISLATION

PA Legislative Recap Week of April 6

The House and Senate were in session this week, and each passed its own COVID-19-related legislation.  

The House plan (SB 327) was passed along party lines. Below are key provisions.

  • Creates a 23-member interbranch COVID-19 Cost and Recovery Task Force.
  • Requires PA Treasury to review how to use zero interest rates to reduce state government debt.
  • Requires Gov. Wolf to notify lawmakers of any actions to suspend, waive or modify state regulations as a result of the emergency.
The House also amended an Admin. Code bill (SB 613) to include a provision which would allow businesses to reopen provided they follow recommended CDC guidance for mitigating COVID-19 exposure and conform to the critical infrastructure memo put out by the Department of Homeland Security on March 28, 2020. SB 613 awaits a final floor vote in the House. 

The Senate plan (SB 841) was passed unanimously. Below are key provisions.

  • Includes several local government provisions, including allowing them to waive fees and penalties for the late payment of property taxes if paid by the end of the year.
  • Allows school districts to renegotiate contracts with service providers.
  • Allows local governments to conduct remote meetings.
  • Allows notaries to do business remotely.

The Senate also moved budget vehicles to start the process for 2020-2021. 

The House version awaits Senate approval and the Senate version awaits House approval. The House has canceled session for next week. The Senate is scheduled to return on May 4.

We will keep you posted as new developments occur. Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions. Thanks.

Independent Fiscal Office

The IFO released an updated revenue projection for FY 2019-20 and a preliminary projection for FY 2020-21 using two scenarios for business closures due to the COVID-19 virus. The release also discusses the impact on economic growth rates and federal stimulus monies that are projected to flow into the state economy.
ADDITIONAL NEWS

Wolf Administration / Legislature: 

News & Views from Around the State: 
RESOURCES

State Resources: 

Federal Resources: 
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