Weekly Newsletter from the Office of Congressman Andrew Garbarino If you were forwarded this email, click here to subscribe An update from the office of Congressman Andrew Garbarino SPOTLIGHT Andrew Introduces Legislation to Better Monitor Tick-Born Illness That Is Plaguing Long Island, Causing Red Meat Allergy This week, Andrew introduced the bipartisan Recognize AGS Act which would allow for greater monitoring and reporting of instances of Alpha Gal Syndrome (AGS) by the Center for Disease Control (CDC). AGS is a serious, potentially life-threatening condition associated with bites from the Lone Star Tick that causes an allergy to red meat. According to the CDC, about 4% of AGS cases in the United States are found in Suffolk County, making eastern Long Island an epicenter for this disease. This bill would represent an important step towards increasing national awareness of AGS and helping those on Long Island and elsewhere stay healthy. Learn more here. ANDREW IN THE NEWS Student mental health top priority for BBP school district " The Bayport-Blue Point High School christened a new Wellness Center on Friday, Feb. 9, 2024. The creation of the wellness center was an idea that started roughly two years ago and in recognition of the growing mental and social-emotional needs of students in the district. 'It was supported by the district and through private donations, many of which were anonymous, and with the backing of our staff, board of education, and community,' said superintendent of Bayport-Blue Point School District, Dr. Tim Hearney. The newly appointed room represents 'peace and hope, as well as a safe place to reflect and catch our breath,' according to Hearney. There are stations for different types of mental health activities, and a school psychologist and social worker housed in the center... Congressman Andrew Garbarino (R-2nd district) said, 'We must always ensure our kids have access to the support they need, especially during the challenging and formative time that is high school.' " Read the full article here. WHAT'S NEW IN NY-02 Great South Bay Coalition Community Meeting in Sayville This week, the Great South Bay Coalition (GSBC) hosted a community meeting at the Sayville Library. This meeting focused on mental health and wellness support services for students. The GSBC discussed substance abuse trends locally and nationally with resources from local groups such as Youth Enrichment Services, YMCA, Town of Islip Opioid Task Force, Brookhaven Town Drug Task Force, 5th Precinct, Sayville, and Bayport Blue Point Schools. Andrew understands how important substance abuse and mental health awareness and prevention are for our younger generation and is grateful for the great work the GSBC is doing. Andrew attends Grand Opening of High School Wellness Center Andrew was glad to join Bayport Blue Point High School to celebrate the grand opening of their Wellness Center on “P.S. I Love You Day,” a day to bring awareness about bullying, depression, and suicide prevention. Through the support of the Bayport-Blue Point School District community and elected officials, the center has come to life and is ready to provide ongoing mental health support to students. Andrew applauds the Superintendent of Schools Dr. Timothy Hearney and his team for making this center a reality. CASEWORK HIGHLIGHT: Veteran Widow's False Debt Gets Wiped Clean A constituent contacted Andrew’s office regarding issues she was having with the Department of Defense (DoD) and the Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS). Her late husband was a combat Veteran who served our nation for over 20 years. After he passed, she was told that her husband had been overpaid and that she would have to pay back tens of thousands of dollars that she didn't have. While she attempted to get more information about the supposed overpayment, additional penalties were tacked on, adding to the debt. Andrew demanded to know more information on why this debt occurred in the first place. With his intervention, the debt was found to be erroneous, was forgiven, and she received a full refund of funds paid towards this supposed debt. Andrew knows how frustrating dealing with bureaucracy can be. That is why he has an entire team dedicated to helping constituents get what they need from the federal government. If you need help dealing with a federal agency, contact our office and our team will get to work on your case. KEEPING UP WITH CONGRESS Andrew Votes To Unlock Domestic Energy This week, Andrew voted for, H.R. 7176, the Unlocking our Domestic LNG Potential Act of 2024, legislation to put a stop to the Biden Administration’s ban on liquified natural gas (LNG) export projects and streamline the permitting process. By cutting off exports from the United States, Biden is pushing our allies, including the European Union and other countries, to dirtier sources. As Long Islanders continue to struggle with high energy costs, Andrew knows that we need to unleash American energy dominance and drive down energy prices for Americans. Andrew Meets With Health Care Advocates This week, Andrew met with constituents and groups in Washington, D.C. including the Community Health Care Association of New York State and the Alliance for Childhood Cancer (ACC). Andrew will always support research for critical health care needs and ensure that communities have access to the care and services they need. Thanks for reading! Do you know someone who might like to receive these updates? Forward this email to your friends and families and tell them to click below to subscribe! Click Here To Subscribe Rep. Andrew R. Garbarino Congressman representing New York's 2nd Congressional District Washington, D.C. 2344 Rayburn House Office Building Washington, DC 20515 Phone: (202) 225-7896 Patchogue 31 Oak Street, Suite 20 Patchogue, NY 11772 Phone: (631) 541-4225 Rep. Garbarino | 2344 Rayburn House Office Building, Washington, DC 20515 Unsubscribe [email protected] Update Profile | Constant Contact Data Notice Sent by [email protected]