Assemblywoman Marianne Buttenschon (D-Utica/Rome) recently expressed her hope in and support of President Joe Biden’s incoming administration. Biden, who was sworn in as President at noon, has pledged to increase the rate at which COVID-19 vaccines are released to individual states.

“The inauguration of a new president and administration is always an important juncture in our country’s history,” said Buttenschon. “Right now, our nation is facing one of the greatest health crises we’ve ever seen, and our top priority is to keep our communities safe and healthy by swiftly administering COVID vaccines. I have faith that the Biden administration will understand our urgent need for more doses of the vaccine, and I’m hopeful that this new administration will help not only the Mohawk Valley heal and rebuild, but will help unite our country against this ongoing threat.”

Oneida County recently suspended two COVID-19 vaccination sites in Rome and Utica due to a limited number of remaining vaccine doses. Meanwhile, New York State has reported receiving fewer vaccine doses from the federal government than expected.[1] The Biden administration will hopefully act to quickly to boost vaccine reserves and allow the vaccination process to continue apace, noted Buttenschon.

Buttenschon recently wrote a letter to U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar asking for additional vaccine doses for New York State, citing the safety of senior citizens and the importance of herd immunity.[2]

[1] romesentinel.com/stories/dose-shortage-prompts-suspension-of-oneida-county-run-vaccine-sites,109226

[2] nyassembly.gov/mem/Marianne-Buttenschon/story/94980