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.

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.

I’m with Mayor @SamanthaKaag in West Reading for an update on the RM Palmer factory explosion — and to pledge our support as the community recovers. Lori and I thank the first responders, @PEMA, and @PSP teams on the scene.

Our hearts break for the families of those who didn’t come home.

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.

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.

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

Today, President Trump's supporters attempted a coup.

This was the direct result of a deliberate disinformation campaign by Republicans from the President down to legislators in Pennsylvania. 8 of the 9 Republican members of Congress from PA lied about our election in an attempt to pledge fealty to President Trump.

They lied about the results of the election. They lied about voter fraud. They lied about the administration of the election in PA and across the country.

It has become clear that we need to take further action to protect Pennsylvanians and stop the spread of COVID.

Today I’m announcing additional, temporary mitigation measures that will go into effect Saturday and remain in place until 8 a.m. on January 4. Starting Saturday, indoor dining will be suspended. Outdoor dining, take-out food service, and take-out alcohol sales may continue.

Indoor gatherings and events of more than 10 people are prohibited.

During a routine test yesterday, I tested positive for COVID-19.

I have no symptoms and am feeling well and I am in isolation at home.

I am following CDC and Department of Health guidelines. Frances has been tested and, as we await the result, is quarantining at home with me. I am continuing to serve the commonwealth and performing all of my duties remotely, as many are doing during the pandemic.

Today I’m with @PAHealthDept to sound the alarm that COVID cases in Pennsylvania have reached critical levels.

If we don’t slow the spread of this dangerous virus now, the reality is that COVID-19 will overwhelm our hospitals and our health care workers. If you didn’t know before how urgent the situation is, please pay attention now.

The number of COVID cases in Pennsylvania over the course of the entire pandemic has topped 400,000.

Just six weeks ago that number was 200,000.

Hospitals are crowded and resources are dwindling.

Tomorrow is Election Day in Pennsylvania and the last day to cast your vote.

If you voted early, you did your part in the general election. 🇺🇸

If you still haven't returned your mail ballot or plan to vote at the polls tomorrow, make a plan now: VotesPA.com. If you still have your mail ballot, now is the time to take action:

1️⃣ Mark your ballot, seal it in both envelopes, and sign it.

2️⃣ Find and hand-deliver your voted ballot to your county-designated location ASAP: VotesPA.com/ReturnBallot.

The fall resurgence of COVID-19 is here.

My entire administration has been preparing for this all summer.

Here are the top COVID-19 resources we've put together for Pennsylvanians ⬇️ (THREAD) Health and safety:
📱 COVID Alert PA app: pa.gov/covid/covid-al…
🩺 COVID-19 health information: on.pa.gov/coronavirus
😷 ​COVID-19 testing information: on.pa.gov/3g2wjdu

There’s no sense debating a ruling that will be appealed. Two of three federal judges upheld what we did.

But what’s not up for debate is that our early and decisive action saved lives.

While the federal government dithered, Pennsylvania took action.

https://twitter.com/GovernorsOffice/status/1305923496627838976

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.

Today I’m announcing new statewide #COVID19 restrictions, effective 7/16:

🔹 All indoor dining: Reduced to 25% capacity
🔹 Bars: Open for sit-down meals at tables only, bar service prohibited
🔹 Telework: Mandated (if possible)
🔹 Gatherings: < 25 people indoor, < 250 outdoor During the past week, we have seen an unsettling climb in new #COVID19 cases.

#COVID19 cases peaked in Pennsylvania on April 9 with nearly 2,000 new cases.

If we don’t act now, medical experts are projecting that this new surge in cases could soon eclipse the peak in April.

I won't sit back and watch residents who live in counties under Stay at Home orders get sick because local leaders cannot see the risks of #COVID19 and push to reopen prematurely.

Today I am announcing consequences for counties that do not abide by the law to remain closed. Non-compliant counties won't be eligible for federal stimulus discretionary funds.

Instead, those funds will be allocated to counties working to stop the spread of #COVID19.

I’m at @PEMAHQ with @PAHealthDept to announce that we now have 22 known coronavirus cases and 180 people under investigation in Pennsylvania.

We also are announcing new guidance for all Pennsylvanians and specific guidance for individuals in Montgomery County. #COVID19 Because Montgomery County has had a rapid growth in its number of #COVID19 cases, workers and residents will have special provisions starting Friday, March 13.

I am ordering the closure of all schools, day cares, community centers, gyms, and entertainment venues.