While the weather may not always reflect it, spring is upon us. As we start to venture outside more often, it’s important to remember the potential dangers tick-borne illnesses like Lyme disease present to Central New Yorkers.

In last year’s budget I secured $200,000 for the development of a detailed plan by SUNY-ESF to assess current deer herds. As the town of Dewitt and Syracuse (east side) decide as to how they would like to remediate — funding is available through this allocation for each municipality. To assist in the process, my office distributed a survey related to the effects of deer in our community and Lyme disease, to households throughout Dewitt and Syracuse’s east side.

As my colleagues and I now work on the state budget, I’ll continue pushing to protect your health. I worked to guarantee that this year’s Assembly budget proposal include a measure allowing environmental health appropriations to be used to address tick-borne illnesses. Additionally, I have introduced legislation requiring the Department of Environmental Conservation be responsible for monitoring and controlling wildlife within our communities (A.6818), as in recent years, deer overpopulation has been a contributor to the increase in Lyme disease. To aid in combating this issue, I’m working to pass measures that will direct the Health Care Quality and Cost Containment Commission to research the impact of requiring health insurance plans to provide coverage for chronic Lyme disease treatment. (A.6927)

Tick-borne illnesses can cause serious harm. I’ll continue advocating to ensure we’re doing all we can to prevent and treat it. For more information about this, or how you can participate in our deer management survey, please don’t hesitate to contact me at 315-449-9536 or HunterP@nyassembly.gov.