COVID-19 impacted the Commonwealth in ways we couldn’t have imagined, and business owners certainly weren’t spared. Small business owners, the heart of our economy and communities, were forced to shut their businesses and try to live without an income.

My colleagues and I understood what an incredible sacrifice the Governor has required of business owners, and some of the bills we passed to help include:

One bill would have required the development and implementation of a mitigation plan to allow businesses to operate during his declaration of emergency, as long as they abided by health safety guidelines. It would have given financial relief to Pennsylvanians, many of whom would have preferred to earn a paycheck rather than wait on unemployment compensation delayed by the government’s failing system. Despite the General Assembly’s support of Senate Bill 613, the Governor vetoed it.

Another bill would help restaurants and hotels by allowing them to sell prepared beverages and mixed drinks for off-premise consumption. Without being able to offer dine-in service, they have taken an incredible financial hit. House Bill 327 would help them pay bills, including their liquor licenses, which are up for renewal and cost between $700 and $1,100. The bill is awaiting the Governor’s signature.

House Bill 2376 would also help to keep the lights on by allowing retail stores to offer contactles and curbside business operations, balancing health needs with the financial needs of families all across the state. The bill awaits action in the Senate.

As we all wish for the state’s full reopening, mass testing will play a significant role. Many who have been infected either have minimal or no symptoms. Knowing who has immunity will be critical in dialing back the fear so businesses can not only reopen, but return to pre-coronavirus level of business. House Bill 2455 would provide for local health department COVID-19 antibody testing. It also awaits Senate action.

These bills are just a few ways my colleagues and I have worked to minimize the impact of COVID-19 on Pennsylvanians. For a complete list of legislation House Republicans have supported, please visit my website at www.RepJames.com/COVIDaction.

This article was published in the Venango Chamber’s June 2020 VenangoWorks! Newsletter