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Salvatore J. Esposito, President of the American Parkinson Disease Association, Inc. (APDA) announced today that Joel Gerstel, APDA Executive Director; John Pillarella, APDA 1st Vice President; and Paul Smedberg, APDA Washington, DC Office met with the Senate and House principle sponsors of the Udall Bill on Thursday, March 13, 1997. The visits were made to thank Senators McCain and Wellstone and Congressman Udall for their leadership, update staff members on APDA grassroots effort, and to stress the APDA's commitment to an aggressive grassroots campaign in support of the Udall Bill. Senators' McCain and Wellstone and Congressman Upton emphasized how important a grassroots campaign is to the success of the Udall Bill. We were told by the principle sponsors and their staff members that plans are well underway to introduce the Udall Bill on April 9, 1997. (A formal announcement, regarding the final date, can be expected early next week) The House "Dear Colleague" letter will be distributed next week, so we can start to sign original co-sponsors in the House. In the Senate, the Udall Bill has 21 original co-sponsors to date (not including Senators' McCain and Wellstone). The elected officials praised APDA's efforts. Keep up the good efforts and should you have any questions, comments, feedback, or need assistance and information, please call Paul Smedberg, APDA Washington, DC Office at 800-684-2732