Pennsylvania will join a group of six states, including New York and New Jersey, that will come up with a joint plan to reopen various aspects of society when the coronavirus pandemic begins to ease.
By FORD TURNER THE MORNING CALL
APR 13, 2020 | 3:19 PM
The announcement came during a conference call with governors of the six states, including Gov. Tom Wolf, New York’s Andrew Cuomo and New Jersey’s Phil Murphy.
The group will the top health official, the top economic development official and the governor’s chief of staff from each state, Cuomo said during a joint news conference. It would be, he said, six states ― via 18 people ― coming up with single plan for public health and economic development as the pandemic begins to ease.
Cuomo, whose handling of New York’s severe outbreak has drawn national attention, hosted the call. He said the joint group will start its work tomorrow.
The pandemic has forced shutdowns of schools and many businesses and led to directives for people to stay home except for necessary trips. Cuomo said it made sense for the states to work together.
The mission for the group that will come up with the “reopening” plan, Cuomo said, is, “We want it ASAP but we want it smart.”
Asked whether the group’s mission crossed into President Donald Trump’s leadership territory, Cuomo pointed out that governors, not Trump, issued the orders that shut down businesses and schools in their states.
“That was the model of management” as pandemic first unfolded, Cuomo said. If Trump wants to change the model as the “reopening” happens, Cuomo said, the federal government can propose a plan.
Any federal plan would have to be “consistent with the Constitution, consistent with the law,” Cuomo said.
The other three states that are involved are Connecticut, Delaware and Rhode Island, governed by Ned Lamont, John Carney and Gina Raimondo, respectively.
Wolf said he was glad Pennsylvania was going to be a part of the effort. He said it was not only important to plot a comeback in terms of public health and interwoven economies, but in restoring a sense of hope to people.
Wolf said, “We can do anything better when we work together in this region.”
If you liked this post you’ll love our daily newsletter, EnviroPolitics. It’s packed with the latest news, commentary and legislative updates from New Jersey, Pennsylvania, New York, Delaware…and beyond. Don’t take our word for it, try it free for an entire month. No obligation.
