State Rep. Paul Schemel | Pennsylvania 90th Legislative District
State Rep. Paul Schemel | Pennsylvania 90th Legislative District
When Governor Tom Wolf announced a new mask mandate for pre-kindergarten through 12th-grade classrooms, it sparked criticism from some state lawmakers. Representative Paul Schemel of Franklin County voiced his opposition to the governor's decision, arguing that Pennsylvania is not well-served by a uniform approach to managing COVID-19.
Schemel stated, "The governor’s announcement comes as the pace of hospitalizations and deaths is slowing statewide, and the new universal mandate fails to take into account that Pennsylvania continues to have select ‘hotspots’ of spread." He emphasized that local school boards should have the authority to make decisions based on their specific circumstances. "Decisions about local schools should be made by local school boards, who are better able to respond to local conditions as they develop. It is a strategic mistake for the governor to take decision-making power out of their hands," Schemel added.
The debate over mask mandates in schools continues as different regions face varying levels of COVID-19 cases. The new directive from Governor Wolf aims at curbing the virus's spread but has raised concerns about its one-size-fits-all nature.
For further information or media inquiries, contact Jennifer Fitch at 717.260.6335 or jfitch@pahousegop.com.
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