Lawmaker: NY should increase funds to fight Lyme Disease

ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) - A New York state senator is urging her colleagues to set aside more state money for the fight against Lyme disease.

Republican Sen. Sue Serino says investments in research, treatment and prevention are working to protect New Yorkers from the tick-borne illness, and that more funding is needed.

Serino is planning to detail her request during a press conference Monday at the state Capitol, which will be followed by an expert panel on the disease and efforts to reduce infections.

Serino's push comes as lawmakers are putting together a budget for the next fiscal year. A vote on the new budget is expected by April 1.

Last year, lawmakers inserted into the budget a record $1 million for Lyme disease research, education and prevention.