Thread by @RepZabel

There is a balance to be struck between public health and the economy - everyone agrees on that.

But make no mistake, if we don’t continue to aggressively protect ourselves from the spread of COVID-19, there will be deeper, more damaging ramifications for our economy. 1/

A surge in infections and an overwhelmed healthcare system would devastate the economy worse than it already has been.

There is no shortcut to this pandemic.

2/

In any crisis, and especially this one, beware the peddling of lucrative promises.

It feels good for politicians to say “It’s time to go back.” That’s why some say it. It’s hard to tell the truth.

In this case, that false hope is especially dangerous.

3/

Today, the #PAHouse considers a bill that would effectively open the doors of almost business in the Commonweath, requiring them only to police themselves on the honor system.

Some businesses would follow the guidelines, and others would not.

4/

One thing is absolutely certain about this “grand reopening”: it would expose more people to the virus. A lot more. It would result in more positive cases, and therefore, more deaths.

While I do not believe it is the House majority’s intent, this bill would cost lives.

We have already seen the ramifications of public officials ignoring the advice and warning of health experts.

We must be better in Pennsylvania.

We must be willing to make the hard, correct choice.

6/

Every single day, I hear from people who are suffering, whether it’s healthcare workers watching people die in front of them or parents who don’t know how they’re going to feed their families.

The loss in lives is heartbreaking. The loss in livelihoods is crushing.

7/

Today, I will listen to the healthcare experts at every level. I will ask you to continue to make sacrifices. I will cast a vote to protect our most vulnerable. It is the right thing to do.

No on SB 613.

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