06-R 018

2006 -- H 6756

Enacted 01/10/06

H O U S E R E S O L U T I O N

SUPPORTING THE FEDERAL LYME AND TICK-BORNE DISEASES PREVENTION,

EDUCATION, AND RESEARCH ACTS OF 2005

Introduced By: Representatives Shanley, McHugh, Lally, Lewiss, and D Caprio

Date Introduced: January 10, 2006

     WHEREAS, The Rhode Island House of Representatives recognizes that all communities

within the State of Rhode Island have very high incidences of Lyme Disease and other tick-borne

illnesses; and

     WHEREAS, Assessment has demonstrated a high correlation in the incidence of disease

with the abundance of ticks and their geographic distribution; and

     WHEREAS, The prevention of Lyme Disease and other tick-borne illnesses are best

accomplished by a combination of public awareness, personal protection, and environmental

measures; and

     WHEREAS, Laboratory tests for Lyme Disease and other tick-borne illnesses are not

definitive and consensus guidelines for diagnosis and treatment of long-term Lyme Disease have

yet to be developed; and

     WHEREAS, The Rhode Island House of Representatives recognizes the seriousness and

prevalence of Lyme Disease and other tick-borne illnesses within southern New England; now,

therefore be it

     RESOLVED, That this House of Representatives of the State of Rhode Island and

Providence Plantations hereby encourages state and regional surveillance efforts and prevention

initiatives that will provide a greater understanding of the transmission of Lyme Disease and

other tick-borne illnesses; and be it further

     RESOLVED, That this House of Representatives hereby requests our esteemed

Congressional delegation to vigorously support United States Senate Bill 1479 along with House

Bill 3427, introduced to the 109th Congress on July 25, 2005 and July 26, 2005 respectively; and

be it further

     RESOLVED, That this House of Representatives hereby supports increased federal

funding for studies pertaining to the development of improved testing and treatment for Lyme

Disease and other tick-borne illnesses; and be it further

     RESOLVED, That this House of Representatives respectfully requests the Rhode Island

Department of Health to provide for the expansion of efforts concerning the prevention,

education, treatment and research activities relative to Lyme and other tick-borne diseases; and be

it further

     RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and he hereby is authorized and directed to

transmit duly certified copies of this resolution to the Rhode Island Congressional Delegation, the

Governor of the State of Rhode Island and the Director of the Department of Health.

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LC00446

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