Speaker Supports Bill Suspending State Regulations

September 29, 2021

Cutler calls on Legislature to make suspensions permanent

HARRISBURG – Recognizing that an overly regulated Pennsylvania cannot rebuild and recover from the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Speaker of the House Bryan Cutler (R-Lancaster) voted with the majority of his colleagues to extend dozens of regulatory suspensions across state government.

“The House Republican Caucus has argued for years that the state is burdened by an over-regulated state government,” Cutler said. “If there is one thing the pandemic has shown us, it is that those concerns are warranted, and countless industries can operate safely, effectively and to benefit all Pennsylvanians without dealing with unneeded regulations.”

Some examples of suspended regulations included in House Bill 1861 would be allowing flexibility in the unemployment compensation process, such as allowing hearings and decisions to be made more quickly; allowing for certain flexibility in facility and licensure certifications for health care providers to ensure as many qualified professionals can be on hand and more efficiently distribute vaccinations; plus nearly a dozen more suspensions.

“Extending these temporary provisions is the right move at this time, but this cannot and should not be a regular act by the Legislature every six months,” Cutler added. “Now that it is proven these regulations can be put on hold, I look forward to working with members on both sides of the aisle to make many of these suspensions permanent.”

The legislation passed the Senate earlier in the day and now awaits the governor’s signature.

Speaker Bryan Cutler
100th Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Mike Straub
717-260-6397
mstraub@pahousegop.com
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