Hi folks,
GOOD NEWS! The NYS Assembly resolution that we have been
asking for
was written and went through all the necessary red tape to be ready
for
co-sponsors by Monday of last week. At this point, more
than 90
Assemblypeople (out of 150 in the entire Assembly) have signed on to
co-sponsor the resolution, and signatures are still being gathered.
Assemblywoman Nettie Mayersohn says that Assemblypeople from both
parties have been seeking her out to see how they could sign on!! This
does not mean that the resolution will definitely pass, though. There
are still some stages at which some forces might try to squash the
resolution, but this is certainly a major, exciting step. YAY, LYME
COMMUNITY!
WHAT IS THE RESOLUTION
For those who don't remember, this resolution is an official statement
by the Assembly that there is a legitimate scientific controversy about
Lyme disease and asks that the OPMC stop targeting doctors because
of
where they stand in this controversy. This resolution does not have
the
force of law, but it will put considerable pressure on the OPMC to
stop
harassing our doctors.
LEGISLATION
The other request we made was for legislation to reform the way the
OPMC
works, so that doctors have sufficient due process rights.and the OPMC
cannot railroad our doctors in the future. This bill is currently being
worked on and we will let you know when it has a bill number,
probably
at the end of next week.
LEGAL DEFENSE FUNDRAISER MARCH 23RD
Right now there are two doctors seriously under the gun in NYS, Dr.
Burrascano and Dr. Orens. The resolution is particularly important
for
them, since they are too far along in their cases to benefit from a
new
OPMC reform law. Because one of the uses of the resolution would be
as
part of these doctors' legal cases (unless the OPMC just backs off
on
its own which we cannot count on ) we cannot separate the legal case
from the political here. The Legal
Defense Funds are still extremely
important.
The dinner dance on March 23rd that has been publicized is one fun way
to help build up these funds. You can feel comfortable recommending
this
to friends who don't have Lyme, because the $60 contribution will also
get them a dinner and a night of dancing to live music in a lovely
country club. Tickets are still available.
See: http://www.lymeinfo.net/dinnerdance.html
THANKS
Thanks so much to the New Yorkers who have worked so hard visiting,
calling and writing their legislators. Thanks to everyone across the
country who has also written, called, attended hearings or otherwise
offered support. This is exciting! Two years ago we were told the Lyme
community could not get hearings. We got them, and, although the fight
still has to go on, we are making great progress.
For any of you who want to see background information, please go to
www.lymeinfo.net. Thanks,
Ellen and Eva