Our hospitals were never overwhelmed and research tells us thousands of lives were saved.
So would we, in hindsight, do some things differently? Of course.
Would I follow the irresponsible demands of the President or the Republican legislature? Absolutely not.
I believe the vast majority of Pennsylvanians understand what we had to do in the beginning was necessary to keep people safe before we had the resources to reopen safely.
The vast majority of Pennsylvanians don’t buy into conspiracy theories or fear mongering from the President or Harrisburg Republicans about this virus.
They wear masks. They keep their distance. They are smart about how they interact with others. They are responsible.
Contrary to the misinformation from the legislature, we are reopened. And we’ve been able to manage outbreaks and mitigate risk successfully, while trying to bring some normalcy to our lives.
I will continue to do what is necessary to keep people safe and contain the virus.
Containing the virus is the only way to protect our health and keep our economy going.
So we will appeal, and we will take that appeal as far as necessary to ensure we can do that.
I want to reassure people that may be nervous or worried about what’s ahead this fall: No matter what, we will find a way to keep Pennsylvanians safe.
The President and the legislature are celebrating a ruling while refusing to help anyone but themselves.
We deserve better. I’m going to keep holding their feet to the fire to stop playing politics with this disease and start living up to the responsibilities of their offices.
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Early this AM a vehicle fire under I-95 in Philly caused part of the highway to collapse.
While this is still an active scene, I completed an aerial view of the site and was briefed by first responders, law enforcement and transportation experts on the ground with @PhillyMayor.
The northbound side of I-95 has completely collapsed and the southbound side is not structurally sound to carry any traffic over it.
Preliminary reports indicate that a commercial truck carrying a petroleum-based product was the source of the fire.
In response @PennDOTNews@PhiladelphiaGov and @SEPTA have created detours and are working on further alternative methods to ensure folks can safely get to where they need to go. We're also looking at interim solutions to connect both sides of I-95 to get traffic through the area.
So excited to open this new access point at Lehigh Gorge State Park — and celebrate the unofficial start of summer recreation season at one of Pennsylvania’s beautiful state parks.
Pennsylvania’s outdoor recreation industry adds $14 billion to our economy each year and supports 150,000 full time jobs. It increases home values and improves the physical and mental health of folks across our Commonwealth.
My budget invests $112 million to maintain and improve the infrastructure in our parts and forests — the single largest investment in our outdoor infrastructure in decades — and establishes a new Office of Outdoor Recreation.
Today, I'm announcing I will not issue any execution warrants during my term as Governor.
When one comes to my desk, I will sign a reprieve every time — and I’m asking the General Assembly to send me a bill abolishing the death penalty in Pennsylvania once and for all.
I have considered every aspect of Pennsylvania’s capital sentencing system, reflected on my conscience, and weighed the tremendous responsibilities I have.
Pennsylvania should do what 25 other states have done in outlawing the death penalty or refusing to impose it.
And let me be absolutely clear on one point – this is not a statement on the integrity of individual capital convictions in Pennsylvania.
This is a fundamental statement of morality. Of what’s right and wrong. And I believe Pennsylvania must be on the right side of this issue.
Rightwing extremists across the nation have been using their power to bully LGBTQIA+ youth.
I want all our kids to know that they matter and they belong. And in PA, we have their back.
Today I signed an executive order to protect LGBTQIA+ Pennsylvanians from conversion therapy.
Conversion therapy is widely rejected by medical and scientific communities.
A peer-reviewed study from The @TrevorProject showed that LGBTQIA+ youth who underwent conversion therapy were more than twice as likely to report having attempted suicide in the past year.
My executive order directs state agencies to:
1) Do everything in their power to discourage conversion therapy
2) Actively promote evidence-based medical treatment for LGBTQIA+ individuals
3) Update policies and procedures to better support LGBTQIA+ Pennsylvanians
Today I signed a budget that invests in Pennsylvanians.
It will help those hit hardest by the pandemic get the support they need.
It also includes the largest education funding increase in state history.
Here's what else is in this year's budget. 🧵
Historic $416 million increase in education funding, including increases for:
▪️ Funds run through the fair funding formula
▪️ Special education
▪️ Early education
▪️ Ready to Learn
▪️ Community colleges
▪️ Level Up, a new program to help the 100 most underfunded districts
$728.9 million in American Rescue Plan funding to help working parents return to work by stabilizing the child care industry.