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--------------------- Forwarded message: From: [log in to unmask] (Parkinson's Action Network) Reply-to: [log in to unmask] To: [log in to unmask] Date: 97-02-28 16:18:21 EST Friday Action Update This is the inaugural issue of our newest advocacy publication, a weekly update of the Morris K. Udall Parkinson's Research and Education Act's progress towards passage in 1997. Each issue will list the House and Senate co-sponsors that signed on during the week, as well as the total number of co-sponsors in each body. In addition, you will receive a review of the week's activities and an overall update of the progress and status of the Udall bill. These updates are intended to inform and inspire Parkinson's activists, and you are encouraged to publish, reproduce and distribute them to any and all interested persons. Udall Bill Update With the language of the bill nearly finalized, plans for its introduction and the corresponding news conference are underway. However, coordinating the schedules of four extremely busy legislators, as well as other Parkinson's community luminaries is no minor task, so the precise date has not yet been named. Be assured that the date will be announced here and elsewhere as soon as it is determined. Senate: A "Dear Colleague" letter from Udall champions John McCain (R-AZ) and Paul Wellstone (D-MN) has been distributed to all Senate offices. The letter advises Senators of the tremendous need for increased Parkinson's research funding, reminds them of the successful passage of the Udall bill in the 104th Congress, and urges them to immediately sign on to this year's Udall bill. House: Things are progressing a little slower on the House side. Udall chamipions Fred Upton (R-MI) and Henry Waxman (D-CA) are preparing their Dear Colleague letter, and they expect to distribute it to all House Members early next week. Once Members receive the letter, they will begin to add their names as co-sponsors. Co-sponsor Count Senate: 12 House: 00 This week there are only Senate co-sponsors to announce, but House Members will of course be listed on a regular basis. When you see any of your local Legislators listed here, please contact them to say, "Thanks for supporting the Udall bill!" Senate Paul Wellstone (D-MN)* Jeff Bingaman (D-NM)* Christopher (Kit) Bond (R-MO)* Conrad Burns (R-MT) Ben Nighthorse Campbell (R-CO)* Thad Cochran (R-MS)* Christopher Dodd (D-CT)* John Glenn (D-OH)* Tom Harkin (D-IA)* Patrick Leahy (D-VT)* Connie Mack (R-FL)* Daniel Patrick Moynihan (D-NY)* * = Co-sponsor in 104th Congress