Wolf vetoes bill to let in more fans
Despite a loss in federal court, Gov. Tom Wolf doubled down on a veto to stop schools from making their own decisions regarding athletic events during the pandemic.
Wolf vetoed House Bill 2787 on Monday, which would grant districts the “exclusive authority” to develop mitigation measures.
In an unrelated news conference Monday, Wolf said districts already have the ability to decide whether to allow sports, but large crowds should remain regulated because the coronavirus is still a risk.
“You ignore that at your own peril,” he said. “I can't and I don't think Pennsylvanians can afford to ignore that reality, so I'm going to veto it.”
Butler Area School District Superintendent Brian White said his district will proceed with the way their fall season began with some limitations on tickets that are passed out through the athletes and band members.
“We've really been working under the auspices of the federal court case ruling,” White said. “We would have to go back on those plans and go to our original plans if a stay is issued.”
A federal judged ruled Sept. 14 — in favor of a lawsuit filed May 7 on behalf of Butler, Fayette, Greene and Washington counties, four Republican lawmakers and several small businesses — that Wolf's coronavirus mitigation orders were unconstitutional.
White said before the court ruling, the district had not played a football game yet, but the limitations would have looked similar with fewer tickets available.
“At Friday's game, nobody presented an issue with us over social distancing, and everyone wore a mask,” White said. “I think people are willing to work through some rules and take some personal responsibility, but they want to see their kids.”
Last week, Wolf appealed the decision made in federal court against his COVID-19 measures. He also asked for a stay, which would uphold his various orders, including a restriction limiting outdoor events and athletic events to 250 people or less, regardless of size of venue.
On Monday, Wolf said the lawsuit was dangerous to public health. He said he and his administration have from the beginning acted in a way that protects the health of as many Pennsylvanians as possible.
“I hate it. I'm sure everybody hates it, but it's a reality,” Wolf said. “I'm always amazed at politicians thinking they can wave a magic wand and suspend reality.”
White said he respects what Wolf is trying to accomplish, but he feels there is a better way to accommodate schools that vary largely in size and capacity.
“I hope that everyone finds some common ground,” White said. “We want to be responsible, but the blanket 250 people for everyone doesn't seem fair or realistic, especially when we have larger facilities.”
