cross-posted from the mgh pd webforum:

Author: ann campbell (aj)
Topic:   LEGISLATIVE ALERT! TIME TO HELP!
Posted:  09-07-2001 01:57 PM

LEGISLATIVE ALERT --from PAN-- WE --All of US -- NEED YOUR HELP NOW!!

By Mid-September, lawmakers will have drafted appropriations bills for
fiscal year 2002, including the Labor, Health and Human services Bill that
contains funding for the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the
Department of Defense(DoD).

Specifically, we are asking members of Congress to support the continued
doubling of the NIH budget: a 16.5 % ($3.4 billion) increase in FY '02 to
keep on pace to double the NIH budget within five years. And to fully fund
and implement the $143.5 million increase for year two of NIH's own
five-year Parkinson's disease research agenda for FY '02.

The DoD appropriations bill contains funding for the Army Program for
Neurotoxin Exposure Treatment Research Program (NETRP). This excellent
program investigates the causes and looks for ways to treat and prevent
Parkinson's and other neurodegenerative diseases. And on the DoD front, we
are looking to continue and expand to $50 million the funding for NETRP in
FY '02

As you know, it is critical for advocates - in particular constituents - to
call and write to Members of Congress who serve on the Appropriation
Committee(s) that fund Parkinson's research - to urge them to support
Parkinson's research funding for fiscal year 2002.

Below are sample letters for you to use when writing to your Member of
Congress and talking points for you to use when you phone your Member of
Congress.

The phone number for Congress is 202-225-3121.

Also below are the membership rosters of the six appropriations committee
that have jurisdiction over the NIH and/or DoD. They are (in reverse order):

--House Defense Appropriations Subcommittee (DoD);
--House Labor, Health and Human Services Appropriations Subcommittee (NIH);
--House Full Appropriations Committee (covers both NIH and DoD);
--Senate Defense Appropriations Subcommittee {DoD);
--Senate Labor,Health and Human Services Appropriations Subcommittee (NIH);
and
--Senate Full Appropriations Committee

Please send this message on to anyone you know who can help or direct them
to PAN's website at  http://www.parkinsonsaction.org and click on
LEGISLATIVE ALERT.

Thanks for all of your hard work! Together, we will find a cure as soon as
humanly possible.

--------------------------

PAN's Sample Letter to Congress on NIH Appropriations

[Date]

The Honorable [First Name] [Last Name]
U.S. Senate/US. House of Representatives
Washington, D.C. 20510/20515

Dear Senator/Representative [Last Name]:

I/We seek your support for the urgent need for increased federal research
funding for Parkinson's Disease. Specifically, I/ We[/b] respectfully
request the following:

- Fully fund the Parkinson's research agenda in FY 2002 by continuation of
the doubling of the NIH's budget by 16.5%, 3.4 billion in this year's
Labor-HHS Appropriations bill.

- Continue with the NIH's Five Year Research Agenda by fully funding the
$143.5 million needed for Parkinson's research.

- Take the lead in working with the NIH to ensure that they aggressively
implement the Parkinson's Disease Research Agenda

Our nation's scientists are making great progress in Parkinson's research -
identifying environmental factors, understanding the mechanisms of
degeneration, and learning to repair the brain through cell transplantation
and other surgical techniques. The promise of more effective treatments and
even a cure has created tremendous optimism among fellow members of the
Parkinson's community.

I [my husband/wife/parent etc.] suffer from Parkinson's, a progressive
neurological disorder that destroys brain cells controlling motor function.
Available treatment only partially alleviates the resulting stiffness,
tremor and slowness of movement. Eventually Parkinson's leaves its victims
unable to walk, to talk or even move.

(Personal details about how you have been directly affected will make the
letter more compelling and should be included here.]

As you may know, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) has developed a
comprehensive Agenda to aggressively pursue a cure for Parkinson's. Last
year, Congress took the first step in investing in this Agenda. The NIH's
Five-Year Research Agenda calls for an increase of $143.5 million over and
above current funds being dedicated to Parkinson's research for FY 2002.

It is estimated that Parkinson's costs the U.S. $25 billion a year in
direct 9/5/01 health related expenses, disability costs and lost
productivity. With adequate funding, the NIH believes that a cure for
Parkinson's can be expected in five to ten years.

A cure would profoundly impact the lives of the million Americans suffering
from Parkinson's - but the federal government must commit the necessary
resources to turn the scientific promise into reality. The one million
Americans who suffer from this disease deserve no less. Thank you for your
attention. I/ We look forward to a response.

Sincerely,

[Your Name, Address, and Phone Number]

--------------------------

Dated: September 6, 2001

TALKING POINTS

NIH APPROPRIATIONS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2002

Background: In mid September, lawmakers will begin drafting appropriations
bills for fiscal year 2002, including the bill that funds the National
Institutes Health (NIH). It is crucial for advocates - in particular
constituents - to call members of Congress who serve on the subcommittee
that decides on the funding for NIH to urge them to aggressively fund
Parkinson's Research. We are looking to fund Year-Two of NIH's Five-Year
Parkinson's Research Agenda. The Agenda calls for a $143.5 increase for
Fiscal Year 2002 (Year Two).

Talking Points:

- [Note: When making calls, always start by identify yourself as a
constituent of the Congressperson's district or Senator's home state.]

- [Explain your personal connection to Parkinson's disease and how the
disease has affected you and your family.]

- We are calling today to ask [Congresswoman/man or Senator (name)] to
support NIH's Five-Year Research Agenda for Parkinson's. NIH developed this
Research Agenda by working with our nation's leading scientists. We ask
that it be fully funded with a $143.5 for Parkinson's research for fiscal
year 2002.

- Our Nation's Scientists are making great progress in Parkinson's
Research. The promise of more effective treatments and a cure has created
tremendous optimism among the Parkinson's community.

- With adequate funding, the NIH believes a cure for Parkinson's can be
expected in five years. This truly is a matter of life of death for the one
million Americans who suffer from Parkinson's.

- Also, investing in a cure for this disease also makes good financial
sense. Parkinson's is estimated to cost the United States $25 billion a year.

- To make our goal of finding a cure a reality, we ask  Congresswoman/man
or Senator (name)] to support the doubling of the NIH's budget and the
Parkinson's Research Agenda.

- Finally, we ask [Congresswoman/man or Senator (name)] to provide
leadership in working with the NIH, in order to ensure that the NIH is
aggressively implementing the Parkinson's Research Agenda.

- Can we count on your support? How does [Congresswoman/man or Senator
(name)] intend to vote on this issue?

- Thank you for your time and consideration. I would like to leave my name,
address and phone number so that I can hear back on this critical issue.

--------------------------------
IN THE SENATE
--------------------------------

The Senate Appropriations Full Committee is responsible for all
appropriations made in the United States Senate, including Department of
Defense (DoD) - which includes the Army's NETRP program- and the National
Institutes of Health (NIH). PAN is seeking $50 million for the DoD's NETRP
program and $143.5 million for year two of the NIH's Parkinson's Five Year
Research Agenda for fiscal year 2002.

LAST NAME FIRST NAME PARTY STATE
Bennett Robert R UT
Bond Christopher R MO
Burns Conrad R MT
Byrd Robert D WV
Campbell Ben R CO
Cochran Thad R MS
Craig Larry R ID
DeWine Mike R OH
Domenici Pete R NM
Dorgan Byron D ND
Durbin Richard D IL
Feinstein Dianne D CA
Gregg Judd R NH
Harkin Tom D IA
Hollings Ernest D SC
Hutchison Kay Bailey R TX
Inouye Daniel D HI
Johnson Tim D SD
Kohl Herbert D WI
Landrieu Mary D LA
Leahy Patrick D VT
McConnell Mitch R KY
Mikulski Barbara D MD
Murray Patty D WA
Reid Harry D NV
Shelby Richard R AL
Specter Arlen R PA
Stevens Ted R AK

Senator Robert C. Byrd, D-WV is Chairman and Senator Ted Stevens, R-AL, is
the Ranking Member of the Committee.

----------------------------

The Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services
and Education is responsible for appropriations for the National Institutes
of Health (NIH). PAN is seeking $143.5 million for year two of the NIH's
five year Parkinson's Research Agenda.

LAST NAME FIRST NAME PARTY STATE
Cochran Thad R MS
Craig Larry R ID
DeWine Mike R OH
Gregg Judd R NH
Harkin Tom D IA
Hollings Ernest D SC
Hutchison Kay Bailey R TX
Inouye Daniel D HI
Kohl Herbert D WI
Landrieu Mary D LA
Murray Patty D WA
Reid Harry D NV
Specter Arlen R PA
Stevens Ted R AK

Senator Tom Harkin, D-IA, is Chairman and Senator Arlen Specter, R-PA, is
Ranking Member of the Committee.

-------------------------

The Senate Appropriations Subcommittee is responsible for Department of
Defense appropriations including the Army Medical Research and Materiel
Command Neurotoxin Exposure Treatment Program (NETRP). PAN is seeking $50
million for the NETRP for fiscal year 2002.

LAST NAME FIRST NAME PARTY STATE
Bond Christopher R MO
Cochran Thad R MS
Gregg Judd R NH
Harkin Tom D IA
Hollings Ernest D SC
Hutchison Kay Bailey R TX
Inouye Daniel D HI
Reid Harry D NV
Specter Arlen R PA
Stevens Ted R AK
Byrd Robert D WV
Domenici Pete R NM
Dorgan Byron D ND
Durbin Richard D IL
Feinstein Dianne D CA
Leahy Patrick D VT
McConnell Mitch R KY
Shelby Richard R AL

Senator Daniel Inouye, D-HI, is Chairman and Senator Ted Stevens, R-AL, is
the Ranking Member on the Committee.

-------------------------
IN THE HOUSE
-------------------------

The House Appropriations Full Committee is responsible for all
appropriations made in the House of Representatives, including Department
of Defense (DoD) - which includes the Army's NETRP program- and the
National Institutes of Health (NIH). PAN is seeking $50 million for the
DoD's NETRP program and $143.5 million for year two of the NIH's
Parkinson's Five Year Research Agenda for fiscal year 2002.

LAST NAME FIRST NAME PARTY STATE DISTRICT
Aderholt Robert R AL 4
Bonilla Henry R TX 23
Boyd Allen D FL 2
Callahan Sonny R AL 1
Clyburn James D SC 6
Cramer Robert D AL 5
Cunningham Randy R CA 51
DeLauro Rosa D CT 3
DeLay Tom R TX 22
Dicks Norman D WA 6
Doolittle John R CA 4
Edwards Chet D TX 11
Emerson Jo Ann R MO 8
Farr Sam D CA 17
Fattah Chaka D PA 2
Frelinghuysen Rodney R NJ 11
Goode Virgil I VA 5
Granger Kay R TX 12
Hinchey Maurice D NY 26
Hobson David R OH 7
Hoyer Steny D MD 5
Istook Ernest R OK 5
Jackson Jesse D IL 2
Kaptur Marcy D OH 9
Kennedy Patrick D RI 1
Kilpatrick Carolyn D MI 15
Kingston Jack R GA 1
Knollenberg Joseph R MI 11
Kolbe Jim R AZ 5
LaHood Ray R IL 18
Latham Tom R IA 5
Lewis Jerry R CA 40
Lowey Nita D NY 18
Meek Carrie D FL 17
Miller Dan R FL 13
Mollohan Alan D WV 1
Moran James D VA 8
Murtha John D PA 12
Nethercutt George R WA 5
Northup Anne R KY 3
Obey David D WI 7
Olver John D MA 1
Pastor Ed D AZ 2
Pelosi Nancy D CA 8
Peterson John R PA 5
Price David D NC 4
Regula Ralph R OH 16
Rogers Harold R KY 5
Rothman Steven D NJ 9
Roybal-Allard Lucille D CA 33
Sabo Martin D MN 5
Serrano Jose D NY 16
Sherwood Don R PA 10
Skeen Joe R NM 2
Sununu John R NH 1
Sweeney John R NY 22
Taylor Charles R NC 11
Tiahrt Todd R KS 4
Visclosky Peter D IN 1
Vitter David R LA 1
Wamp Zach R TN 3
Wicker Roger R MS 1
Wolf Frank R VA 10
Young C.W. R FL 10

Representative C.W. (Bill) Young, R-FL is Chairman and Representative David
Obey, D-WI, the Ranking Member of the Committee.

------------------------------

The House Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services,
and Education is responsible for appropriations for the National Institutes
of Health (NIH). PAN is seeking $143.5 million for year two of the NIH's
five year Parkinson's Research Agenda.

LAST NAME FIRST NAME PARTY STATE DISTRICT
Bonilla Henry R TX 23
Cunningham Randy R CA 51
Istook Ernest R OK 5
Young C.W. R FL 10
DeLauro Rosa D CT 3
Hoyer Steny D MD 5
Jackson Jesse D IL 2
Lowey Nita D NY 18
Miller Dan R FL 13
Northup Anne R KY 3
Obey David D WI 7
Pelosi Nancy D CA 8
Regula Ralph R OH 16
Wicker Roger R MS 1

Representative Ralph Regula, R-OH, is Chairman and Representative David
Obey, D-WI, is the Ranking Member on the Committee.

------------------------

The House Appropriations Subcommittee is responsible for Department of
Defense appropriations including the Army Medical Research and Materiel
Command Neurotoxin Exposure Treatment Program (NETRP). PAN is seeking $50
million for the NETRP for fiscal year 2002.

LAST NAME FIRST NAME PARTY STATE DISTRICT
Bonilla Henry R TX 23
Cunningham Randy R CA 51
Frelinghuysen Rodney R NJ 11
Hobson David R OH 7
Istook Ernest R OK 5
Lewis Jerry R CA 40
Moran James D VA 8
Murtha John D PA 12
Nethercutt George R WA 5
Sabo Martin D MN 5
Skeen Joe R NM 2
Visclosky Peter D IN 1
Young C.W. R FL 10

Representative Jerry Lewis, R-CA, is the Chairman and Representative John
Murtha, D-PA is Ranking Member of the Committee.

------------------------

janet paterson: an akinetic rigid subtype, albeit perky, parky .
pd: 54/41/37 cd: 54/44/43 tel: 613 256 8340 email: [log in to unmask] .
smail: 375 Country Street, Apt 301, Almonte, Ontario, Canada, K0A 1A0 .
a new voice: the nnnewsletter: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/janet313/ .
a new voice: the wwweb site: http://www.geocities.com/janet313/ .

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