Some officers urge Pennsylvanians to vote “no” in declaring the catastrophe declaration. Constitutional amendments on the poll – CBS Pittsburgh

By: KDKA-TV News Staff

PITTSBURGH / HARRISBURG (KDKA) – Some state and local leaders are calling on voters to vote “no” on two proposed constitutional amendments that will appear on the ballot for the upcoming May primary election.

CONTINUE READING: Pennsylvania voters concerned about the government’s power struggle against pandemics

These changes would limit the duration of disasters in Pennsylvania.

The voters decide whether the emergency declarations should expire after three weeks and not after three months according to current law.

The legislature could also repeal the declaration with a majority of votes in each chamber.

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The proposed changes are based on disagreements over the length of the urgency statements issued by Democratic Governor Tom Wolf and the Republican-controlled legislature.

Allegheny County’s executive director Rich Fitzgerald, who is also a Democrat, said it shouldn’t be a matter for lawmakers to make emergency decisions.

“We have to vote no in these referendums to ensure that our families and communities are protected by those entrusted to us,” said Fitzgerald. “We must vote no to ensure that health professionals make decisions in the best interests of all of us.”

The Wolf administration has argued that terminating declarations prematurely could affect federal funding and other resources.

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Opponents said the orders hurt businesses, especially during the shutdown last year.