Local lawmakers split on bill to protect businesses during disasters
By TAYLOR BROWN
tbrown@yourmvi.com
State representatives from the Mon Valley weighed in on proposed legislation that would protect retail businesses from closing in case of an emergency disaster declaration by the state.
On Wednesday, the Pennsylvania House approved the Republican-sponsored bill, which backers said would prevent smaller businesses from going out of operation, like many were forced to do when shutdowns closed their doors at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The chamber voted 117-84 on House Bill 747 to allow retailers to stay open if they restrict operations to a single employee and a single customer, or to drive-up sales that limit contact.
State Reps. Bud Cook, Eric Davanzo, Mike Puskaric and Ryan Warner, all Republicans, supported the bill, which would let many retail stores remain open during a declared state of disaster emergency.
Cook, R-West Pike Run Township, said if the state took practicality into decision making, the legislation would not be necessary.
“The governor and his administration could use a little more common sense,” he said. “If they had any at all, we wouldn’t need legislation like this. The last thing any business wants to do is hurt, or kill, their customers. The governor and his office should have more faith in business owners to do the right thing.”
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