Hohenstein says House GOP move puts profits over human lives

PHILADELPHIA, April 6 Today, state Rep. Joe Hohenstein, D-Phila., released the following statement in response to H.B.s 2400, 2376 and 1874, which House Republicans introduced to reopen select industries closed by Gov. Tom Wolf’s COVID-19 mitigations efforts:

“I am more than simply opposed to House Bill 2400 and the others like it – I believe they make a fundamental statement that the GOP thinks company profits are more important than human life. That’s why I felt compelled to travel to Harrisburg during the stay-at-home order and give a statement during today’s House State Government Committee meeting. This flippant attitude toward worker safety shouldn’t be treated as normal.

“Eventually we will have to loosen restrictions on commercial and economic activity, but right now it’s important to protect vulnerable populations from exposure by reducing points of contact between people wherever possible. There’s no possible way for workers to safely return to retail stores and construction sites without risking their safety. That’s not a risk that I’m willing to take.”