Recognizing and affirming the City of Philadelphia's commitment to public health grounded in scientific evidence; and opposing state proposals that would weaken proven protections, including childhood immunizations, community water fluoridation, and practical steps that limit the spread of disease in schools.

WHEREAS, Philadelphians rely on everyday safeguards that work vaccinations that keep children in class and older adults out of the hospital. Fluoridated drinking water helps prevent cavities in every neighborhood, and simple school routines that slow outbreaks so teaching and learning can continue; and

WHEREAS, National reporting in 2025 documented a wave of statehouse bills aimed at rolling back long-standing public health practices especially vaccines and water fluoridation despite decades of data showing these measures are safe, effective, and cost-saving; this trend has raised alarms among public-health experts as vaccine preventable diseases reemerge in parts of the country; and

WHEREAS, Philadelphia’s own record shows what works: following clear evidence leads to fewer vaccine preventable illnesses, fewer emergency dental visits because the water supply prevents decay, and fewer missed shifts and missed classes for working families; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, THAT THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, Reaffirms its commitment to science-based public health and opposes efforts to erode proven protections, including childhood immunization programs, community water fluoridation, and school health practices that reduce the spread of disease.

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