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 most of eastern Pennsylvania, including Bucks County, through June 4th, 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.

Last Friday, Governor Wolf announced that Bucks County, and the remainder of the Pennsylvania counties in the red phase, is expected to move to the yellow phase by June 5th.  The Governor also announced that on Friday, May 29th, the first 17 counties will be moved from the yellow phase to the green phase of reopening.

I will continue to update you as we learn more about the phased re-opening of the Commonwealth.

Join Our Facebook Live Town Hall on 5/15

My next live Facebook Town Hall will be Friday, May 29th 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.

June 2nd Primary Election

June 2nd is the primary election in Pennsylvania. If you have requested a mail-in ballot, your ballot must be received by the Bucks County Board of Elections by 8:00 PM on June 2nd.  Make sure your ballot is in the mail with plenty of time to arrive to the board of elections! You can also drop your completed ballot at a secure ballot box, located across the county.  Ballot boxes will be situated in Doylestown, Levittown and Quakertown from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM this Saturday, Sunday, and Monday. The boxes will be placed outside these county buildings:

• The Lower Bucks Government Services Center, 7321 New Falls Road, Levittown
• The Bucks County Administration Building, 55 E. Court St., Doylestown
• The Upper Bucks Government Services Center, 261 California Road, Quakertown

If you are voting in person on June 2nd, you are encouraged to wear a mask and practice proper social distancing.  If you requested a vote by mail ballot and decide to vote in person instead, you will be asked to vote by provisional ballot at your polling place.

Summer Camp Guidance

I know parents have a lot of questions regarding summer camp and similar activities during the time of the Coronavirus pandemic. Last Friday, Governor Wolf issued guidance for parents, summer camp operators, and others that provide necessary child care and recreational activities for children and youth during the summer months. The FAQ on summer camp operation can be found here.

The guidance does not apply to public school-operated summer programs or extended school year services. Guidance related to reopening public schools is forthcoming from the Pennsylvania Department of Education.

Pandemic Unemployment Assistance Update

The Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry has discovered attempts by scammers to apply for PUA using personal information obtained fraudulently.  No L&I systems or data have been compromised. The personal information was obtained from sources outside L&I.  As a precaution, PUA Claimants will be receiving their PUA and FPUC benefit payments via paper checks for the foreseeable future.  All claimants will also receive a Notice of Pandemic Unemployment Assistance Filed in the mail, verifying that they applied for PUA.  To learn more, visit the Unemployment Compensation website.

Letter to Governor Wolf on Barbershops and Salons

On Thursday, May 28th I sent a letter to Governor Wolf asking him to issue an Executive Order that personal services businesses, such as barbers and salons, located in yellow and green phase counties, be allowed to reopen with added safety precautions in place.  I was joined on the letter by Senator Maria Collett and Representatives Perry Warren, Tina Davis, John Galloway and Wendy Ullman. The letter was the result of a productive conversation I had with 45 barbers and hair stylists from around the Commonwealth, who emphasized that professionals in their industry receive extensive training in sanitation, sterilization, and hygiene, and shared a model for safe reopening of their industry implemented in Ohio.

The full text of the letter is available here.   

Round of Applause

This week, our round of applause goes to the students of the Central Bucks West Harlequin Club, who never got to show all the hard work they put into their show, Les Miserables. They found a way to pay beautiful tribute to their drama club’s business manager, Regina Dudo, who recently passed away through an incredibly impressive virtual performance. Although this is a challenging time, I know that the future is bright.  The talent and caring of students like these are all the proof we need.  Thank you and well done! Listen to the CB West virtual choir perform “One Day More” here.

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