May. 08, 2020
HARRISBURG – Rep. Rich Irvin (R-Huntingdon/Centre/Mifflin) issued the following statement after the governor’s announcement on the second wave of Pennsylvania counties being permitted to move into the yellow phase:
“Although disappointed the governor did not move Huntingdon County into the yellow phase, I’m not surprised considering the increase in confirmed cases at SCI-Huntingdon. After speaking with officials at the correctional facility yesterday, I am satisfied the departments of Corrections and Health are doing everything in their power to mitigate the spread of the virus. There is no denying containment is a battle considering the logistics of our prison but testing of staff and inmates is currently being conducted. Staff are also being instructed on how to prevent any potential community spread.
“Community spread from the facility is a concern, but to unfairly forbid Huntingdon County’s economy from moving forward is a mistake on the governor’s part. If we do not get our economy moving very soon, we may not be able to help our many struggling or failing businesses. Our small business owners have reached their breaking point. Many are choosing to reopen in defiance of Gov. Wolf. After being closed for such an extended period of time, I have the confidence in our citizens and business owners to make the correct choices while doing their part to ease the spread of COVID-19.
“The Republican caucus and I have continued to lead throughout this crisis by putting forward legislation that would require the governor to allow businesses to operate in the Commonwealth. I will be continuing to stand up to Gov. Wolf and fight for the rights of our hard-working citizens of the 81st District.”
Representative Rich Irvin
81st Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Tricia Lehman
717.772.9840
tlehman@pahousegop.com
RepIrvin.com / Facebook.com/RepIrvin