Cook asks Wolf for timeline to reopen businesses

By TAYLOR BROWN

tbrown@yourmvi.com

A local state representative wants to know the plan to get Pennsylvanians back to work amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

State Rep. Bud Cook, R-West Pike Run Township, sent a letter to Gov. Tom Wolf on Thursday seeking answers.

Cook wants to know the governor’s plan to get businesses operating again and reboot the economy.

“Regardless if it’s two days, two weeks, or two months, I encourage you to share your plan with the citizens of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to give them comfort, hope and light at the end of the tunnel during these trying times, and to show them our state will bounce back,” Cook wrote. “I believe in the ability of we the people to get the job done faster, cheaper and more efficiently than government could ever get it done.”

Cook said residents have done well with following Wolf’s orders.

“The citizens of this commonwealth, the people who elected us, our bosses, have done an amazing job following your lead during the early weeks of this challenge we are currently experiencing,” Cook wrote.

He said COVID-19 has caused setbacks, but he is hopeful.

“Daily, my staff, me and others deal with people who are struggling to get promised unemployment claims filed, small business support and many other bridge programs to assist them through this period,” he wrote. “The most frustrating task for me is fielding the calls the virtually beg for you and your administration to simply let our people get back to work.”

Cook said car dealers, contractors and laborers, among others, want to be back on the job.

“My colleague, fellow Rep. Ryan Warner, put it succinctly in his letter to you, businesses with 10 or fewer employees should be afforded the opportunity to return to work depending on their services,” Cook wrote. “This selective picking of waivers is not fair, not transparent and not accountable.

“I am still awaiting the list of those that have applied and those granted.”

Cook said while he and his office continue to support constituents in their effort to obtain unemployment and other programs, he wants a plan from Wolf sooner rather than later.

“We need a plan now, Governor,” Cook wrote. “One for the economic recovery of the Commonwealth. While you currently have the support of the citizens of the Commonwealth, I will share with you the frustration level is raising daily.

“So Governor, please show us a plan. Then unleash and engage the power of free enterprise and the power of ‘we the people’ to get our economy rolling again.”