06-R 024

2006 -- S 2074

Enacted 01/17/06

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

RESPECTFULLY URGING THE UNITED STATES CONGRESS TO SUPPORT PASSAGE OF LEGISLATION EXPANDING EFFORTS TO AID IN THE RESEARCH, PREVENTION AND TREATMENT OF LYME DISEASE

Introduced By: Senators Sosnowski, C Levesque, Algiere, and Gibbs

Date Introduced: January 17, 2006

     WHEREAS, Educating the public is key to reducing the number of new cases of Lyme

Disease in the United States because taking simple precautions can reduce a person's exposure to

being bitten by the carrier of the disease, the deer tick; and

     WHEREAS, In 2002, Rhode Islanders had the second highest rate of Lyme Disease

infection in the United States, hitting a high of 852 new cases. As a result, Rhode Island state

government took measures to educate its citizenry in the prevention and treatment of Lyme

Disease and accordingly, 2004 saw a decline to 249 reported new cases; and

     WHEREAS, In addition to expanding education efforts, federal funding for research and

ongoing support for persons diagnosed with Lyme Disease is essential in order to develop

effective treatment for full and rapid recovery; and

     WHEREAS, Passage of United States House Bill 3427 and Senate Bill 1479, currently

pending before the Congress of the United States, is a crucial component in our enduring efforts

to provide for the health and safety of all Rhode Island's citizens; now, therefore be it

     RESOLVED, That this Senate of the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations

hereby respectfully urges the United States Congress to support the current legislation that

provides for financing and expanding Lyme Disease research, prevention, education and

treatment efforts; 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.

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LC00352

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