Senate Resolution No. 4950

BY: Senator PARKER

MEMORIALIZING Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim
May 2018, as Asthma Awareness Month in the State of
New York, in conjunction with the observance of
World Asthma Day on May 1, 2018

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize
official months and days that are set aside to increase awareness of
serious conditions that affect the lives of citizens of New York State;
and

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to memorialize
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim May 2018, as Asthma Awareness Month
in the State of New York, in conjunction with the observance of World
Asthma Day on Tuesday, May 1, 2018; 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
situation 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
unacceptably 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 cannot 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 2018, as Asthma
Awareness Month in the State of New York; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to The Honorable Andrew M. Cuomo, Governor of the State of
New York.