From: [log in to unmask] Subject: Mo Udall Bill To Hearld Oldstein and his NID contact: The Mo Udall bill is an authorization to spend money should any ever be available somewhere down the line. It is not an appropreation of any existing or future funds to this research. The Parkinson's community recognizes the state of low funding for medical research in the US. We do not want funds dedicated to other disease as we know they too want a cure for their disease. Moneys we would like to see ear-marked for PD research are funds from the Harkin/Hatfield amendment to health reform. This amendment places a tax on health insurance preiums paid by individuals and business, the proceeds to be used for medical research. The original amendment asked for a 1% tax. My fear is that this amendment will be axed in the debate on health reform. Do understand, however, that Congress normally gives NIH funds without specific direction. The management of NIH then hands out money as they see fit. The Mo Udall bill directs NIH to spend funds appropreated by Congress in special ways. It is the hope of the Parkinson community that funding for research come from new sources. But like you stated, those that make the most noise get the most research money. Parkinson patients have been at a disadvantage because PD has been known as the Silent Disease. We do not plan on keeping it silent any longer. There are many worth causes. Many more than can be funded. There needs to be a better allocation method than the "squeeky wheel" method. Until the rules change, one must play by the rules. Regards, Alan Bonander ([log in to unmask]) --------End of Unsent Message