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January 7, 1996 Office of the White House Washington, DC. Dear President Clinton: Over the last five years I have supported your political objectives and stood up to vote for you at election time. Now I would request your assistance for a minority group in this country whose numbers are estimate at one to one and a half million. I am referring to our fellow Americans who have or will contract Parkinson’s Disease. This disease is one which gradually wares away our bodies to the point that we have to stop working, and eventually we deteriorate to the point that others must care for us. The cost to society is tremendous in lost wages, Federal taxes, State taxes local taxes and Social Security withholding. Most of us qualify for Social Security Disability and Medicaid earlier than the average American. I just turned 56 and have had to stop working. I was a small business person employing thirteen people. I estimate that the eleven years lost ability to work will cost society over two million dollars in lost income taxes, lost social security contributions to the system with the employers matching payments, the loss of sales tax paid for goods purchased, the early payment to me of Social Security Disability, Medicaid Coverage and the cost to private disability and medical insurance companies. To offset this great loss the Federal government is allocating $ 26.00 per person with Parkinson’s Disease for research. I think this is a short sided view of the situation by Congress bordering on a national shame that so little is being done for our minority group. I therefore respectfully request that you stand by our side and vocally support the Parkinson’s Disease Community when a bill is offered to raise the funding level for Parkinson’ s Disease Research in the next Congressional session. I thank you on behalf of your fellow Americans who desperately need your help. Thank you, A. Dale severance