“I’m pleased that New York State is finally realizing it is time to #GetTickedOff,” said Assemblymember Barrett. “Columbia and Dutchess counties are at the epicenter of the national public health crisis around Lyme and tick-borne diseases and the Governor’s recent announcement of a new disease control plan comes not a moment too soon. From increasing awareness, to sharing data, to establishing New York’s own tick-borne disease working group, these are developments that many of us - Lyme literate doctors, advocates, patients and other stakeholders - have long fought for. We should codify these and other proposals into law to make them permanent. Expanding warning signage at state parks and campgrounds (A.8829), providing tips for homeowners online (A.2809A), and examining the adequacy of insurance coverage for treatment (A.4863A), are all measures that we can pass this year to strengthen New York’s commitment to combating Lyme in our state.”