In today’s Health Committee meeting, Assemblyman Sayegh (D-Yonkers) voted in the affirmative on advancing A.2371 out of Committee, which repeals all non-medical exemptions from vaccination requirements for children.

“After much deliberation, I’ve decided to cast my vote in the affirmative to advance A.2371,” said Assemblyman Sayegh. “This was not an easy vote but I sincerely and wholeheartedly believe that the whole legislative body and the public deserved to make their voice heard on this incredibly important legislation.”

Assemblyman Sayegh went on to add that while he voted to advance the legislation out of committee, he planned to vote no on the Assembly floor citing concerns that he had regarding the ramifications of the bill and how they might impact the constitutional rights of individuals across New York State. Sayegh was also concerned whether this legislation was an outsized response relative to the scope of the measles outbreak. Later in the day, the bill passed the Assembly 77-63, with Sayegh voting in opposition.

Assemblyman Sayegh sought and took into account the opinions from individuals and groups from his own constituency and the greater community, including the Westchester County Department of Health, The March of Dimes, NYU Langone Medical Center, and an assortment of prominent medical colleges, pediatricians, and other healthcare professionals before making his decision.

Assemblyman Sayegh also took into account his experiences as an educator for over three decades in Yonkers Public Schools and his family’s extensive connections to the medical community, himself having served on the Board of Directors of local hospitals in the past. He is also the father to five daughters, all of whom are vaccinated.