HARRISBURG, Pa. (KYW Newsradio) — The Pennsylvania House of Representatives unanimously passed a bill last week that would mobilize the National Guard to help with vaccine distribution.
All 202 state representatives voted in favor. Prime sponsor Tim O'Neal from Western Pennsylvania points to CDC data that has Pennsylvania ranked at or near the bottom in vaccine distribution.
"The fact of the matter is this is completely unacceptable," he said, "and we need to make sure we're using all avenues, all resources, all assets across the commonwealth to correct this situation."
O'Neal noted his home county, Washington County, borders West Virginia.
"West Virginia is leading this effort in this nation and it's primarily because they're using their National Guard forces to distribute and administer vaccines," he said.
"It's about ensuring we're using these assets, we're getting the experts of logistics involved in the commonwealth to advance this moving forward."
More than 20 other states have mobilized their National Guard troops for vaccine distribution.
Pennsylvania health officials continue to blame the lack of supply on the dismal roll-out in the state, though lawmakers note all states are dealing with more demand for the vaccine than doses, but the vast majority are doing better than Pennsylvania. Legislators have been pressing the Department of Health, asking about difficulty signing up for shots and limited communication.