I am writing with an update on issues relating to the pandemic.

Reminder

To help mitigate the spread of COVID-19, Governor Tom Wolf has extended the stay at home order for all residents through May 8th, except for those who work in life-sustaining businesses or to go to the grocery store or pharmacy, or for other essential needs.  When going out, it’s important to wear a cloth mask, practice social distancing, and frequently wash hands and thoroughly clean all surfaces to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Pennsylvania CARES Plan Unveiled

On Wednesday, April 29th I joined my Democratic colleagues for a virtual press conference to unveil the Pennsylvania Senate Democratic Caucus’ plan to allocate the $3.9 billion in federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act funds. 

A major focus of the PA CARES Plan would fund initiatives that help individuals and families, such as housing assistance programs, student debt relief, veterans’ assistance, utility assistance, and food bank support.  Other aspects of the proposal would allocate additional assistance to frontline workers, funding for the health care industry and its workers, small business grants, and much-needed support for communities disproportionately affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. School districts and local governments would also receive support to help offset pandemic-related expenses.

Highlights of the PA CARES plan include:

• $1.1 billion for assistance for working people
• $900 million for education and childcare initiatives
• $650 million for health care industry & frontline workers assistance
• $425 million for small businesses
• $350 million for local government assistance
• $300 million for historically disadvantaged communities

Join Our Facebook Live Town Hall on 5/1

My next live Facebook Town Hall will be Friday, May 1st at 4:30 PM.  To join the conversation, visit my Facebook page on Friday at that time.  To receive a notification of when the event starts, and any other time I go live, you can “like” my Facebook page.

Telephone Town Hall Recording

If you missed my most recent Telephone Town Hall on Tuesday, April 28th, the recording of the town hall is available on my website.  My guest was PA Department of Labor & Industry Secretary Jerry Oleksiak, along with Susan Dickinson from the Office of Unemployment Compensation.  Thank you to everyone who participated and asked questions.  If you left your question as a message after the town hall, a member of my staff will be reaching out to answer your question.

May 1st Statewide Reopening of Limited Outdoor Recreational Activities

Starting Friday, May 1st, golf courses, marinas, guided fishing trips, and privately owned campgrounds may reopen statewide. Campgrounds in state parks will remain closed through Thursday, May 14th. Governor Wolf has issued updated life-sustaining business guidance and FAQ to include specifics for how these outdoor recreational industries can resume activities while prioritizing public health and safety.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued guidance on visiting parks and recreational facilities. These guidelines must be followed statewide by businesses and when engaging in outdoor activity while the state disaster declaration remains in effect.

• Stay close to home
• Practice social distancing
• Minimize risk to others
• Practice good hygiene
• Have a plan

Construction to Resume Starting May 1st

Public and private residential and non-residential construction may resume statewide starting Friday, May 1st, in accordance with safety guidance that will be issued by the Governor shortly. Construction projects already deemed life-sustaining may continue while adhering to social distancing, personnel limits, and other guidance as announced by the administration.

Mental Health Resources

Request a Mail-in Ballot for the June 2nd Primary Election

Voters have the option to vote by mail-in ballot rather than going to their polling place on Election Day, which has been moved to June 2nd. Mail-in ballot applications will be accepted through Tuesday, May 26th, so don’t miss your chance to be counted! For more information and to request a mail-in ballot, visit www.votespa.com. If you have already applied for an absentee or mail-in ballot, you do not need to reapply.

Round of Applause

This week I am excited to highlight a local artist from Chalfont, Theresa BrownGold, who was nominated by her friend, Sally Witt.  During the COVID-19 pandemic, Theresa has promoted the offer on her twitter page of sending free home made masks to any one who asks in the United States, free of charge and with no charge for shipping.  Thank you, Theresa, for putting your creativity to good use to help your fellow community members #MaskUpPA.

Do you know of a business or individual who is going above and beyond during these unprecedented times to help others? Email senatorsantarsiero@pasenate.com for a chance to be featured in our District Update or on our social media pages.

Stay Up-to-Date

Please visit the district newsroom to view additional stories, videos, and photos from across the district and the commonwealth.

You can also follow me on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for more regular updates.

Offices of State Senator Steve Santarsiero

All offices are temporarily closed to visitors due to COVID-19.

www.senatorstevesantarsiero.com