U.S. Rep. John Faso (R-NY) last week introduced the bipartisan Lyme Disease Research Stamp Act, legislation to create a charity postage stamp to raise funds for research on Lyme disease and other tick-borne diseases that New York is battling and that are now found in every state.
“Lyme disease is a scourge that upstate families know all too well,” Faso said. “This debilitating disease stays with its victims for years, and results in immense emotional and financial hardship.”
H.R. 4333 would create a first-class postage stamp costing a slightly higher amount than conventional first-class stamps, according to Faso’s office. Proceeds from the charity stamp, also known as a semipostal stamp, would go directly to National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases research on tick-borne diseases at no cost to taxpayers.
Faso’s office said that 14 states, including New York, account for more than 96 percent of reported Lyme disease cases, with more than 3,000 confirmed cases in New York state during 2015.
Faso, a member of the House Lyme Disease Caucus, earlier this year sent a bipartisan letter to Acting Health and Human Services Secretary Eric Hargan following up on fiscal year 2018 appropriations report language to ensure improved measurement and tracking of federal Lyme disease research and prevention efforts, according to his office.
“Great thanks to Congressman Faso for finding this unique manner to assist with NIH funding for Lyme disease research,” said Hudson Valley Lyme Disease Association Chairperson Jill Auerbach. “There’s about 80 times as much tick-borne disease as mosquito-borne disease in the U.S.A. Yet funding for Lyme and tick-borne diseases is not commensurate with the illnesses.” The bill will help the National Institutes of Health (NIH) address diseases transmitted by ticks as is done with mosquitoes, she added.
“Lyme disease and related tick-borne illnesses are growing rapidly, and it is critically important that as a society we do what we can to educate the public on this epidemic so our communities and families can take the necessary steps to comprehensively address this issue,” Faso said. “The Lyme Disease Research Stamp Act is important because it will help raise awareness and money to support comprehensive research efforts to combat and prevent these devastating diseases.”
U.S. Rep. Collin Peterson (D-MN) joined Faso as an original cosponsor. “I am proud to help lead the effort to support increasing funding for Lyme disease and tick-borne illness research and raise public awareness,” Peterson said.
The bill has 22 additional cosponsors and is pending in the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform and the Committee on Energy and Commerce.