Feb. 03, 2021
HARRISBURG - Rep. Tracy Pennycuick (R-Montgomery), as a member of the House Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee, voted in favor of legislation before the committee today that would make use of the PA National Guard for delivery of the COVID-19 vaccine to Pennsylvania residents.
“Pennsylvania, under the Wolf administration’s guidance, has done an abysmal job thus far in communication and administration regarding the COVID-19 vaccine,” said Pennycuick. “I hear from constituents daily who are confused about everything from where and how to register for a vaccine, who is eligible, and when the state is receiving more vaccines. These people are scared and confused. We need better direction and deployment strategies to get vaccines into the arms of the people.”
According to Becker’s Hospital Review, Pennsylvania currently ranks 44 out of 50 in terms of the percentage of COVID-19 vaccines administered out of those that have been distributed to the state.
In an effort to improve deployment,
House Bill 326 would have the National Guard set up mass vaccination sites in all 67 Pennsylvania counties.
“As former military, I can attest that much of the training we receive concentrates on strategy, efficiency and expediency. I have every confidence the Guard is more than capable of creating and carrying out a plan to get vaccines to the masses,” said Pennycuick.
“I was honored to be assigned to the Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee, and this is one of the many reasons why,” she continued. “I understand the value of those in the military and how their particular skill sets can help us better succeed as a state. These men and women have cultivated specific talents that we can and should make use of in these types of situations.”
Following committee passage of the bill, Pennycuick says she looks forward to supporting the legislation when it comes before the full House this week.
Representative Tracy Pennycuick
147th Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Tricia Lehman
717-772-9840
tlehman@pahousegop.com
reptracypennycuick.com