LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION memorializing Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to
proclaim May 2014 as Asthma Awareness Month in the State of New York

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that those who give
positive definition to the profile and disposition of the communities of
the State of New York do so profoundly strengthen our shared commitment
to the well-being and welfare of these communities; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to memorialize Governor
Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim May 2014 as Asthma Awareness Month in the
State of New York; Tuesday, May 6, 2014, is World Asthma Day; and
WHEREAS, Asthma affects nearly 15 million Americans; more than five
percent of the United States population with the overwhelming burden of
this disease being felt predominantly by children, the poor and minority
communities across the nation; and
WHEREAS, According to the Centers for Disease Control, there are over
a million New Yorkers suffering from asthma, a rate higher than those of
states like California, Florida and Texas which have larger populations;
and
WHEREAS, The United States Environmental Protection Agency released
information classifying New York as the state with the dirtiest air in
the nation; yet school districts and municipal transportation systems
continue to use diesel-fuel burning vehicles that exacerbate the situ-
ation by increasing pollution levels; and
WHEREAS, With over 50,000 school buses transporting over 2 million
school-age children daily throughout the State, it is easy to see how
such decisions in aggregate are part of the negligence and neglect that
negatively impacts all our lives; and
WHEREAS, Given that children often ride the school bus every day for
many years, this type of exposure accumulates, translating into an unac-
ceptably high risk of developing cancer and respiratory diseases later
in life; and
WHEREAS, Asthma is the leading cause of school absenteeism due to
chronic illness and is the second most significant respiratory condition
as a cause of home confinement for adults; each year, asthma causes more
than 18 million days of restricted activity, and millions of visits to
physicians' offices and emergency rooms; and
WHEREAS, The documented increases in air pollution in New York City
combined with the proximity of school buildings to diesel-fuel burning
bus depots, major highways, waste transfer stations and industrial parks
are increasing the levels of asthma to epidemic proportions; and
WHEREAS, It is understood that we can not immediately remove all the
causes of air pollution from around our schools and communities, but we
can still reduce the impact of this disease on children by lowering
their exposure to illness causes and disease aggravating pollutants such
as diesel-fuel burning buses and their toxic emissions; and
WHEREAS, The asthma epidemic facing our communities in New York State
is a health care issue that can no longer be ignored; it is imperative
that we focus on this matter, especially with its disproportionate
impact on minorities, children, and the impoverished; now, therefore, be
it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim May 2014 as Asthma
Awareness Month in the State of New York; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to The Honorable Andrew M. Cuomo, Governor of the State of New
York.