Albany, NY – Assemblywoman Marianne Buttenschon (D-119) expressed her disappointment following Governor Kathy Hochul’s decision to veto bill A.6047, legislation delivered to the Governor’s desk with unanimous bipartisan Assembly and Senate support.

The legislature’s proposal, A.6047/S.1786, sought to ensure that all New Yorkers have access to current information on the severity of tick-borne illnesses and tick populations statewide, and would have required the New York State Department of Health to publicly publish this information annually as well as report their findings to the legislature and Governor’s office. However, when it comes to fighting the spread of tick-borne infections, especially Lyme, timely information is essential. Despite this fact, the majority of the data New York uses to gauge the severity of Lyme and other illnesses during tick season is outdated and incomplete, with the most recent statistics released by the NYS Department of Health in January stemming from the years

2019-2021. The bill’s unanimous support, demonstrates the opinion of Buttenschon and the legislature that in order to effectively limit and combat the spread of Lyme and other tick-borne illnesses in New York, both policymakers and the public must have access to the most accurate, up-to-date information on the state of tick-borne illnesses.

“Having the clearest, most up-to-date information on what to expect from tick season is essential, both for preparedness and treatment” said Buttenschon, “Annual reporting will enable us to better prepare and quickly target preventative and treatment resources to areas in need.”

Furthermore, as prompt and proper treatment for Lyme and tick-borne illness is essential to prevent potential life-long complications, including death, this bill would have further directed the state Superintendent of the Department of Financial Services to conduct a review of the current state of Lyme and tick-disease insurance treatment coverage in New York, and provide a comprehensive report to the legislature on its findings. Absent this information, both New York’s policymakers, healthcare workers, and the public will now lack a complete picture, adding difficulty to the complete treatment, prevention, and out-of-pocket patient cost assessment for Lyme and tick-borne diseases.

“Tick-borne illnesses like Lyme disease continue to affect families throughout the Mohawk Valley and across our state,” said Assemblywoman Buttenschon. “By improving access to accurate data and ensuring treatment options are fully explored, this legislation would have represented a meaningful step towards protecting public health and supporting those impacted. I am disappointed in the Governor’s decision, and will continue to support this measure in the upcoming session.”