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The Latest News from Your State Representative |
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Please do not reply to this e-mail, as I am unable to respond to messages sent to this address. You can contact me directly at vgaydos@pahousegop.com or here. |
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As the coronavirus pandemic continues, I will always be concerned about the health of our citizens, our businesses and the jobs they provide to the residents of our Commonwealth, especially at this time of year. That is why it is particularly distressing that additional mitigation orders were announced Thursday by Gov. Tom Wolf.
Effective at midnight Saturday, Dec. 12, the following will apply:
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No indoor dining at bars, restaurants, clubs, distilleries and catered events. Only takeout and delivery allowed. |
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Indoor gatherings limited to 10 people, except places of worship and childcare facilities. |
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Outdoor gatherings limited to 50 people. |
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Entertainment venues, such as movie theaters, concert venues, arcades, casinos, bowling alleys, private clubs and other recreational or social facilities, gyms and fitness facilities closed. |
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Retailers, barbershops and salons limited to 50 percent capacity. |
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In-person extracurricular school activities, including sports, suspended. |
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College and professional sports may continue according to CDC and Department of Health guidelines. |
The order will remain in effect until 8 a.m. Jan. 4, 2021.
This order will have a significant impact on many lives as an increasing number of citizens such as those in the service industries are struggling to stay afloat.
In our efforts to recognize people who are struggling to make ends meet, my colleagues and I from the House Economic Growth Caucus applauded the efforts of House leadership for voicing support for House Bill 1737 at a press conference on Monday.
The legislation called for limiting civil liability for schools, health care entities and businesses of all sizes including agritourism events which are in compliance with the governor’s Department of Health COVID-19 guidelines. This bill passed both the House and Senate with majority support but was vetoed by the governor on Nov. 30.
I am grateful to see many of my colleagues as well as many small business owners, schools, service providers and other support this pro-economic growth initiative. I recognize COVID-19 is novel, but I also know business entities are doing the best they can and are going above and beyond to keep their customers, citizens, employees and family members safe. Allowing frivolous lawsuits in this trying environment would be devastating.
I am encouraged to see House Republican leaders not only support the reintroduction of this legislation in the-next session but that they also remain dedicated to supporting economic growth post-COVID-19 within our economy.
The Economic Growth Caucus is a group of state House members dedicated to making Pennsylvania more competitive and economically vibrant. It is comprised of 15 House members with entrepreneurial and business backgrounds and who ran for elective office to be problem solvers.
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Sincerely,
Valerie Gaydos |
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2020 Election Update
While challenges to the conduct of the state’s Nov. 3 General Election continue to play out in the courts, Rep. Gaydos along with her House and Senate colleagues are pledging to work quickly to restore public confidence in the process.
The three most pressing issues identified thus far based on a review of the election include the security of voting and manner in which votes are counted; the secretary of the Commonwealth’s management of the 2020 General Election; and the impact of the judiciary on the 2020 General Election and subsequent candidate legal challenges. The purpose of these actions is to ensure the chaos and confusion that surrounded this year’s election are not repeated.
With regard to the November election, it is important to understand the Legislature does not certify election results; the Department of State and individual counties do. We do not have the authority to unilaterally seat our own presidential electors. Only the U.S. Congress can object to presidential electors. Finally, the Legislature cannot call members to a special session during the month of December; only the governor can do that, and he has not been willing to do so.
While the best venue for resolving issues with the November 2020 election is the court, please know that Gaydos assures her constituents that she is committed to making the necessary reforms to ensure the election system is repaired and public trust is restored.
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U.S. Supreme Court Filing Gets Support of 70 State House Members
Rep. Gaydos and 69 other members of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives have joined an amicus brief in the U.S. Supreme Court in the case of Texas v. Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, State of Georgia, State of Michigan and State of Wisconsin.
The State of Texas alleges that state courts and officials within the four named states violated provisions of the U.S. Constitution by effectively modifying state election laws. Under Article II of the U.S. Constitution, state legislatures have exclusive authority to prescribe when and how elections are conducted.
The amicus brief outlines the timeline and numerous ways that the process under which the 2020 General Election was conducted in Pennsylvania in no way reflects the laws as passed by the General Assembly and signed by the governor.
The bottom line is that elections must be free and fair, they must be uniform throughout the state, and they must follow the law. This has nothing to do with who wins or loses in Pennsylvania. This has everything to do to ensure we abide by the US and Pennsylvania Constitution and that we conduct ourselves to move forward in unison and as one nation.
Regardless of whom you voted for, there is one issue and one issue only that should be of concern to all of us: The Pennsylvania Judicial Branch of government overstepped its authority. According to the U.S. Constitution, the Legislative body writes laws, while the Judiciary Branch interprets them. Instead, Pennsylvania Governor Wolf and the Pennsylvania Supreme Court created confusion by changing the law just weeks before the election when they had no authority to do so. Specifically, and even worse, their changes eliminated all safeguards that were written into Act 77 of 2020 and agreed upon by both parties and signed by the governor to ensure all votes were legal. The fact that this very sacred separation of powers was violated should be very concerning to every Pennsylvanian.
In September when much of this occurred, Gaydos wrote a letter to House Speaker Bryan Cutler (R-Lancaster) requesting action be taken on this matter by the Pennsylvania House of Representatives immediately.
Gaydos feels that everyone should want lawful, transparent elections; however, Pennsylvania failed to achieve an unassailable election process in 2020 after outside influences caused the Pennsylvania Election Code to be altered beyond recognition.
To read the amicus brief, click here.
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Increase in COVID-19 Cases Straining PA Hospitals
It is reported that COVID-19 cases are rising steadily across some parts of the Commonwealth and many of the state’s hospitals have limited ICU beds remaining to care for additional COVID-19 patients or those suffering with other types of medical emergencies. The spread of the virus is also leading to staffing shortages at some hospitals and health care facilities. These situations are a threat to the health and wellbeing of all Pennsylvanians. We applaud Western Pennsylvania for staying the course and seemingly doing better than what is being reported in other parts of the state as UPMC officials said while they are dealing with more COVID-19 patients than at any previous point in the pandemic, COVID-19 patients account for only about 20 percent of hospitalizations across the UPMC system, which includes 34 hospitals in Pennsylvania. Only a quarter of UPMC’s COVID-19 patients are needing ICU care, they said.”
You are encouraged to help limit the spread of the virus by practicing good hygiene, such as hand washing; wearing a mask or other type of face covering; and maintaining a safe distance of at least 6 feet from others. By slowing the spread of the virus, we can ensure our hospitals and health care systems aren’t further overwhelmed by COVID-19 patients.
While a COVID-19 vaccine is not yet available, Pennsylvanians are being encouraged to get a flu shot. Guidelines recommend anyone 6 months of age or older should get the vaccine each season. The steps you are taking to help protect against the spread of COVID-19 are also helpful in fighting the spread of the flu. In addition to masks, washing hands and social distancing, it’s helpful to disinfect commonly touched objects, such as doorknobs, light switches, countertops, cell phones and computers.
Most importantly, if you are feeling sick, stay home and rest. It will help you recover and prevent spreading the illness to others. If your symptoms are developing into more serious complications, it is important to seek medical help.
More information about COVID-19 and the flu is available at www.health.pa.gov.
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New Law Supports Business, Environment
A new state law will allow streamlined permitting for new and advanced technology businesses, including advanced recycling operations.
Advanced recycling is an emerging industry that allows for the recycling of ALL plastics – many that are currently hard to recycle or aren’t recycled at all. Advanced recycling and recovery facilities can process post-use plastics into new plastics and chemicals, raw materials for manufacturing, and transportation fuels that have lower emissions than conventional fuels. Converting these resources into new materials and fuels complements existing mechanical recycling and reduces the amount of waste sent to landfills.
Act 127 of 2020 clarifies the classification of these new technologies as manufacturing, providing regulatory certainty as the post-use plastics and recycling industry grows.
The law will take effect in late January.
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Bill to Facilitate Careers of Military Spouses Now Law
Legislation which would aid military families by facilitating portable careers for military spouses, has been signed into law.
Act 119 of 2020 provides much-needed help for military spouses who typically move six to nine times during their service member spouse’s military-ordered career.
The bill establishes the Physical Therapy Licensure Compact Act (PTLC), which enhances the portability of professional licenses and improves access to health care.
At least nine other states have already enacted the compact, and similar legislation is pending in several more.
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Deadline Nears for Health Insurance Enrollment Through Pennie
Pennie, the state’s new health insurance marketplace, is approaching its first enrollment deadline. Tuesday, Dec. 15, is the last day for individuals and families to purchase health coverage to start January 2021. Current and potential customers are encouraged to select a plan by Dec. 15 to ensure continuous coverage.
Pennie allows customers to compare and shop for medical and dental insurance from participating insurers, who are required to offer qualified, comprehensive plans. Pennie is also the only source for financial assistance to help lower the cost of coverage and care. Nearly nine out of 10 of customers qualify for financial assistance.
Pennsylvanians interested in shopping for and purchasing health coverage through Pennie can go to pennie.com or call the customer service team at 1-844-844-8040. The call center is open from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday and on Saturday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. during open enrollment. Pennie-certified assisters are available to walk customers through the shopping and enrollment process and have been trained to assist both in-person or virtually. Pennsylvanians looking for plan recommendations and enrollment support can use one of the more than 2,500 Pennie-certified brokers who are professionally trained to work with customers one-on-one and can help narrow down their options.
Anyone who misses the Dec. 15 deadline can still apply for coverage through Pennie until Jan. 15, 2021. Coverage selected after Dec. 15 will begin Feb. 1, 2021.
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Office Move
Rep. Gaydos wants to hear from you! Give her a call at 412-262-3780 or email her at vgaydos@pahousegop.com before stopping by the office in Moon Township. They are in the process of moving to a new location so walk-in traffic may be temporally suspended. Details of the new location will be upcoming.
However, all questions and concerns will be answered. So, Gaydos says do not hesitate to send her an inquiry.
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Office Locations |
District Office: |
1009 Beaver Grade Road, Suite 220, Moon Township, PA 15108 | Phone: (412) 262-3780, Fax: (412) 262-3783 |
Capitol Office: |
Room 428, Irvis Office Building, House Box 202044, Harrisburg PA 17120-2044 | Phone: (717) 787-6651 | |
Email: vgaydos@pahousegop.com |
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