Warner Urges Governor to Let Small Businesses, Construction Industry Return to Work

March 26, 2020

HARRISBURG – Rep. Ryan Warner (R-Fayette/Westmoreland) is calling on Gov. Tom Wolf to allow certain businesses that can operate under federal guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) related to COVID-19 to go back to work.

Specifically, he is asking that small businesses that employ 10 or fewer people and the construction industry be allowed to reopen.

“While I fully appreciate the lengths that Pennsylvania must go in order to slow the spread of COVID-19 and protect our most vulnerable citizens, many small businesses with 10 employees or less have the ability to operate while following safe social distancing practices while adhering to CDC guidelines,” Warner wrote in a letter to Wolf.

He also noted Pennsylvania is the only state that has forbidden construction, which was cited as critical by the Department of Homeland Security. In addition, construction work is often conducted outdoors with a low concentration of people that could meet CDC guidelines.

“I humbly ask that you reconsider closing these businesses, which are vital to the future of this Commonwealth,” he wrote. “By allowing both construction workers and employees of small businesses to return to work, we can practice safe social distancing measures while supporting an economy that desperately needs it.”

A copy of the full letter is attached and available at the link above.

Representative Ryan Warner
52nd Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Patricia Hippler
717.772.9846
phippler@pahousegop.com
RepWarner.com / Facebook.com/RepWarner