News & Brews July 27, 2021
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Wolf won’t bring back mask mandate, shutdowns, for now
Fox43 is reporting that “Governor Tom Wolf said Monday the state isn’t considering bringing back mask requirements or other mitigation efforts at this time.” The comments from Wolf came during a press conference (see the question beginning around the 17:30 mark—the question itself is a bit difficult to hear). Instead, Wolf said he thinks Pennsylvania needs to “redouble our efforts on vaccines.” Regarding vaccines, Wolf also said he’s against the state’s mandating the COVID vaccine, but he believes some businesses, such as health care settings, possibly should mandate the vaccine for workers. Meanwhile, yesterday the state departments of Health and Education said schools should follow the CDC guidance on masking when reopening this fall.
Audit of Wolf’s business waiver process to be completed by summer’s end
Speaking at the Pennsylvania Press Club luncheon yesterday, Auditor General Tim DeFoor said his office’s report on Gov. Wolf’s controversial business waiver process will be completed by the end of summer. DeFoor also said he wants to look into the state’s handling of nursing homes during the pandemic but added, “We’re ready to do that but it’s gonna be extremely difficult at our current funding level.”
Lawmakers react to DOJ decision not to investigate nursing home policy
The Williamsport Sun-Gazette covered the reactions of several local lawmakers to the Department of Justice’s decision not to investigate the state’s policy that nursing homes accept COVID-positive patients. In short, the piece notes that lawmakers are “unhappy” with the decision.
Poll: 1.8M Americans turned down jobs due to unemployment benefits
At least 1.8 million Americans have turned down job offers because they “receive enough money from unemployment insurance without having to work.” This conclusion from a Morning Consult poll supports the call by many business owners and economic observers to end generous unemployment benefits amid the current worker shortage.
Lawyer for Gerow says he happened upon accident
The attorney for GOP gubernatorial candidate Charlie Gerow said yesterday that Gerow did not strike the motorcyclist who was killed on the PA Turnpike last week, but rather struck the downed motorcycle that was on the road. The police investigation is ongoing.