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Senate Co-Sponsorship Memoranda
Senate of Pennsylvania
Session of 2019 - 2020
Regular Session
MEMORANDUM
| Posted: | April 28, 2020 05:24 PM |
|---|---|
| From: | Senator Doug Mastriano and Sen. Patrick J. Stefano |
| To: | All Senate members |
| Subject: | Business Waiver for Automobile Dealerships during COVID-19 |
| In the near future, we intend to introduce legislation requiring the Secretary of the Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) to issue a waiver to the Governor’s COVID-19 Business Closure Order to all Pennsylvania automobile dealerships that can adhere to social distancing practices and other mitigation measures defined by the Centers for Disease Control. Pennsylvanians are living in a world where commerce is restricted indefinitely to only life-sustaining businesses. For the most part, sales operations at auto dealerships have ceased. The Governor's initial decision to grant waivers to some business, and then decide to revoke these same waivers later, exemplifies the fact that this entire wavier process is flawed, with no transparency or accountability. Inconsistency has reigned. For Pennsylvania's medical workers, first responders and other essential personnel, purchasing a new or used vehicle is not a luxury; it is a necessity. There are ways for the Pennsylvania auto industry to continue its operations in a manner that minimizes the risk of COVID-19 being spread. We know this because many of our surrounding states’ automotive sales have continued throughout this pandemic. Automotive dealerships provide an essential, life-sustaining service for our Commonwealth's residents. We hope you will join us in co-sponsoring this legislation. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Scot Pitzer or Jake Gery in our offices. |