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Schumer urges measles emergency declaration amid record outbreak

U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer is calling on Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to declare a public health emergency over the growing measles outbreak.

In a letter to Kennedy, the New York Democrat notes that there have been more measles cases this year since the virus was declared eliminated 25 years ago. He blames Kennedy for allowing an outbreak in Texas to get out of control.

Schumer is calling for the Secretary to lead a federal, state and local response that includes support for measles vaccinations in order to stop the spread.

Bob Beck, a veteran media professional, currently serves as a part-time editor/host at WAER Public Radio and an adjunct professor at Syracuse University. Beck retired as News Director at Wyoming Public Radio in 2022 after 34 years. During his time, Beck won 5 regional Edward R. Murrow awards and 5 Public Media Journalists Association awards for reporting. He also won 11 PMJA awards for the news and public affairs program Open Spaces. He was awarded the Wyoming School Bell award for education reporting and was part of two Emmy Award winning television productions. You can find him on X under the name @butterbob.