PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — An attempt by the Pennsylvania House of Representatives to override Gov. Tom Wolf’s veto of a bill that would have changed restrictions on bars and restaurants fell two votes shy.
Supporters of the bill argued it still would have required following all CDC guidance, but it would have limited possible restrictions on capacity while also allowing bar service.
Republican State Rep. Kurt Masser said the current regulations, like having to order food to get a beer, are just pulled out of thin air.
“People are leaving a tater tot on their plate to prove they’re not done eating. Punish the bad actors, but don’t cripple an entire industry,” Masser said.
But Democrat Malcolm Kenyatta from Philadelphia argued the GOP should “model good behavior,” like wearing masks in public, to limit spread so more businesses can open.
“The previous speaker said this isn’t Florida or Texas or Georgia. You know the reason it’s not Florida or Texas or Georgia as it relates to our case counts? Because we didn’t listen to you. That’s why it’s not,” Kenyatta said.
The bill is the second coronavirus-related legislation that passed with a veto-proof majority but then fell short of the needed votes to override the governor.
The other was a bill that would have allowed schools more say in attendance at sporting events.