Mar. 17, 2020
MIFFLINBURG – As many of you know, Gov. Tom Wolf today called for a statewide shutdown of nonessential business in an effort to halt the spread of the coronavirus.
According to the Wolf administration, nonessential businesses include community and recreation centers; gyms, including yoga, barre and spin facilities; hair salons, nail salons and spas; casinos; concert venues; theaters; bars; sporting event venues and golf courses; retail facilities, including shopping malls and except for pharmacy or other health care facilities within retail operations. Restaurants are urged only to remain open for carry-out and delivery orders.
While it’s extremely important to be smart and use proactive measures to protect health and safety during this time and take these precautionary measures seriously, I recognize that for some businesses in our community closing your doors is not an option.
That is why I want to underscore that while Gov. Wolf is strongly encouraging nonessential business activity to end, he does not have the authority to mandate it. Public safety is important, but so are being able to put food on the table and paying your bills. Many families’ entire livelihoods depend on a steady paycheck. Ultimately, it’s up to private citizens, not the government, to decide whether or not to comply with his recommendations.
Additionally, the Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) offers working capital loans that could be of assistance to businesses impacted. Resources and information will be posted to http://dced.pa.gov/resources as they become available. The U.S. Small Business Administration, in addition to local funding partners, may also be a source of assistance for affected businesses.
I will continue to provide updates and information about resources available to all those impacted. My district office is operating under normal business hours should you have additional questions or need assistance. Visit www.RepDavidRowe.com/Contact to submit a web contact form.
Representative David Rowe
85th District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Alison Haas
717.772.9843
ahaas@pahousegop.com
www.RepDavidRowe.com\ www.Facebook.com/RepDavidRowe