Social Distancing Consumes the Capitol

Written by Executive Vice President, Public Policy and Association Affairs, Andy Sandusky

March 20, 2020

Unprecedented steps were taken in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives last week where the body approved rules changes that will permit official voting by proxy. The Senate took similar action this week amending its rules. The changes were done in a bipartisan level and highlight the unusual circumstances Pennsylvania, and the entire world, is feeling at this tenuous time.

The Capitol building has been closed to outside visitors, including lobbyists, since last Friday. In sum, lawmaking in Pennsylvania has come to a grinding halt. In the administrative branch of state government, Governor Wolf and the Department of Health Secretary, Dr. Levine, have worked around the clock and have been providing daily press briefings and updates. As Governor Wolf stated, “We are all in this together.” Well, speaking for myself, I cannot wait to hit the Hill again and lobby for POMA members and their patients! But just like everyone and everything, we will take it one step at a time.