It is always important for a government to provide clear, timely and accurate information to its citizens.

During a crisis like the global coronavirus pandemic, where the situation is changing not just day to day, but hour by hour, the importance of that information increases exponentially.

State Rep. John Lawrence, who represents the 13th Legislative District here in southern Chester County, has done an excellent job of keeping his constituents informed about the latest updates on a wide variety of issues related to the crisis. 

In fact, over the last few weeks, Lawrence has performed his duties like a home run hitter in the midst of a torrid hitting streak, a star running back who keeps picking up one first down after another, or an NBA shooter who has the jump shot working just as the game moves to its most critical point.

If that’s too many sports comparisons for you, we apologize. We just really, really miss sports right now. 

What we don’t miss are any updates about the state’s response to the unfolding coronavirus pandemic because Rep. Lawrence and his staff have been providing regular updates about the changing situation.

In addition to handling the duties of legislating in a time of crisis—and state lawmakers have passed dozens of bills in response to COVID-19—Lawrence has also kept his constituents informed in a timely fashion about the orders from Gov. Tom Wolf, such as the stay-at-home orders and when he formally closed K-12 Pennsylvania schools until further notice.

Lawrence shared a summary of the Coronavirus, Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act and how it impacts local residents and businesses.

When the United States Department of Agriculture approved a waiver to allow schools to provide free meals to all children during the statewide COVID-19 mitigation efforts, Lawrence’s office helped spread the word about it. 

When the federal government took action to delay the REAL ID regulations that were to take effect in October of this year, Lawrence made sure to share the information quickly.

That was also the case when state lawmakers took action with regard to how municipal officials could meet the requirements for public meetings during the COVID-19 outbreak. Lawrence’s release included detailed information about the legislation.

Lawrence’s office has issued releases about the extension of deadlines for trusts/estates, partnerships, S corporations, and corporations, as well as information about how small businesses can seek assistance to help weather the storm until Pennsylvania is open for business again.

In a recent email that was distributed to members of the Southern Chester County Chamber of Commerce, the chamber praised Lawrence and U.S. Rep. Chrissy Houlahan for being “steadfast leaders and supporters of our efforts” in assisting area businesses.

This leadership in a time of crisis has been important for local residents and businesses to navigate their way through all of this.