Wolk applauds restoration of funding to fight West Nile

Budget conference committee returns $7 million for critical prevention measures

Last week, the joint legislative committee voted to eliminate $7 of $12 million--including $1.5 million for use in the Sacramento Delta-- earmarked in the Governor's revised budget for mosquito abatement and other West Nile prevention measures. Assemblywoman Wolk, who called the cut "a foolish decision," voiced her strong opposition in a letter to committee chair Assembly Member John Laird (D-Santa Cruz).

"Ignoring the West Nile threat puts the public at risk," said Wolk. "We can't look the other way now that we know the virus is out there, potentially a mosquito bite away. This is one of those instances when the state can save lives with the proverbial ounce of prevention."

Last year, West Nile killed 28 people and 230 horses in California. The virus, spread by mosquitoes that have fed on infected birds, has been detected in 25 counties this year—two more than last year.

"This year's heavy rains and warm weather have created ideal conditions for mosquitoes," said Wolk. "Now is the time to act, before more lives are lost."

The conference committee did attach one string to the funding: Subsequent legislation must be passed to require the funding be distributed based on need, with districts needing it the most having priority.