State could soon see effects of governor's limited power in emergencies

Likening their governor to a dictator and crusading against the unilateral actions of public health authorities in the midst of COVID-19 was not unique to Pennsylvania Republican lawmakers. It’s happening all across the country, and the lengths legislators have gone to pull away power could hinder states when they respond to the next emergency, some experts say.

Many legislatures, including Pennsylvania's, used the experiences of the pandemic — from strict lockdowns and business closures to mask mandates and gathering limitations — to limit their governor's power in emergencies and to give themselves more input in their state's response.

It's a nationwide backlash against executive power that some have deemed rushed and reckless, but others, including Republicans in Pennsylvania, say is necessary to bring checks and balances to emergency-time decisions that could have long-lasting impacts well beyond the duration of the crisis.

As the delta variant of COVID-19 spreads and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention changes course to recommend that even vaccinated people return to wearing masks indoors in some places, some expect that states that have rolled back executive power may get a crash course soon in the effects of their changes.

Read more: https://www.post-gazette.com/news/covid-19/2021/07/27/Limiting-governor-power-damaging-future-emergencies-Pennsylvania-Republican-lawmakers-legislators-Covid-19/stories/202107270163