WHAT WOULD DOLLY DO: Reflecting on PA House Republicans Vote Against Vaccine Access Amid Measles Deaths
The Pennsylvania House Democratic Campaign Committee is calling on House Republicans to answer for their vote against vaccine access after two measles-associated deaths were confirmed in Lancaster county earlier this week.
August 27, 2026
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WHAT WOULD DOLLY DO: REFLECTING ON PA HOUSE REPUBLICANS VOTE AGAINST VACCINE ACCESS AMID MEASLES DEATHS
HARRISBURG, PA – The Pennsylvania House Democratic Campaign Committee is calling on House Republicans to answer for their vote against vaccine access after two measles-associated deaths were confirmed in Lancaster county earlier this week.
On Tuesday, two unvaccinated people in Pennsylvania died after testing positive for measles, a highly-contagious virus which had previously been nearly eradicated via widespread vaccine adoption in the US.
Also on Tuesday, beloved musician and philanthropist Dolly Parton, who helped fund the Moderna COVID vaccine, died at the age of 80. In 2021, Dolly received her vaccine on camera, urging people to "get out there and get your shot too.”
PA House Democrats previously sponsored a bill that would require private health insurers to cover vaccines recommended by the Pennsylvania Department of Health including the COVID vaccines and the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine. Their goal was to increase vaccine access to prevent tragedies like what took place this week in Lancaster.
Notable NO votes on the HB 1828 vaccine access bill sponsored by Rep. Arvind Venkat included:
Rep. Brett Miller (HD41 - Lancaster)
Rep. Valerie Gaydos (HD45 - Allegheny)
Rep. Shelby Labs (HD143 - Bucks)
Rep. Craig Williams (HD160 - Chester)
Rep. Milou Mackenzie (HD131 - Lehigh)
Rep. Joe Emrick (HD137 - Northampton)
Rep. Martina White (HD170 - Philadelphia)
It’s no coincidence that these Republicans are now facing strong challenges from Democratic candidates who believe that expanded healthcare accessibility is an important priority for folks across the commonwealth. PA House Democratic Candidates and Representatives believe in doing like Dolly would do by supporting vaccine access at no cost and making sure Pennsylvania families have every chance to succeed.
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The Pennsylvania House Democratic Campaign Committee is the official campaign arm of Pennsylvania House Democrats. PA HDCC supports the second-largest legislative chamber in the country by protecting incumbents and recruiting and training challengers to grow Democratic representation in Harrisburg.