Wilkes-Barre Fire Chief Jay Delaney happy for what the vote means for departments across the state. Author: Chelsea Strub Updated: 4:49 PM EDT May 19, 2021
WILKES-BARRE, Pa. Whether it s from up high, down low, in the heat, or the snow, for firefighters in the city of Wilkes-Barre, battling flames is never easy.
But Wilkes-Barre Fire Chief Jay Delaney says some of that stress is now lifted thanks to people who showed up to vote during Tuesday s primary election and voted yes on a statewide referendum concerning municipal fire departments. It s going to allow fire chiefs to have a tool in their toolbox, said Chief Delaney. Money is tight everywhere. Money is tight.
Every Pennsylvania voter â including independents and third-party members â will be asked to consider four ballot questions on May 18. Two of them are about as noncontroversial as possible. The other two? A different story.
Below, Spotlight PA breaks down the basics of what they would do, who is in favor, and who is opposed.
Proposed Constitutional Amendment 1
Currently, only Pennsylvaniaâs governor can end a disaster declaration, like the one the state is currently under to deal with the coronavirus pandemic. State law gives the General Assembly the option to pass a resolution to terminate the declaration, though the state Supreme Court ruled last year the governor can still veto the resolution. The Legislature can overturn a governorâs veto with support from two-thirds of members.
Pennsylvania ballot questions: Voters to decide fate of governor s emergency declaration powers and more phillyvoice.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from phillyvoice.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
The primary election is May 18. Photo Tyger Williams
All Pennsylvania voters yes, that includes independents and minor-party members will be asked to consider four ballot questions on May 18. Two of them are widely considered non-controversial. The other two? A different story. Below, Spotlight PA breaks down the basics of what they would do, who is in favor, and who is opposed.
Question 1
What would it do? Currently, only Pennsylvania’s governor can end a disaster declaration, like the one the state is currently under to deal with the coronavirus pandemic. State law gives the General Assembly the option to pass a resolution to terminate the declaration, though the state Supreme Court ruled last year the governor still gets the final say. The legislature can overturn a governor’s veto with support from two-thirds of members.
Since the current Pennsylvania Constitution was adopted in 1968, itâs been amended more than 40 times.
In this yearâs primary, set for May 18, voters have the opportunity to add an additional three amendments.
First, there is a proposed amendment that would prohibit the denial of an individualâs rights under Pennsylvania law because of their race or ethnicity. The proposal has proven to be largely uncontroversial and has stirred no organized opposition.
Two other proposed amendments, on the other hand, have stirred much more urgent debate. Both arising from the coronavirus pandemic, one would automatically end any disaster declarations after 21 days and prevent a governor from extending it, regardless of the severity of the emergency, unless the Legislature also agrees. The other, related amendment would give the Legislature the power to terminate or extend a disaster declaration without the governorâs approval.