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>>>1. Several support groups and chapters placed articles in their newsletter >>>and/or made detailed presentations to their members on the status of the >>>Udall Bill. Because many groups do not meet in the summer months I&R Center >>>coordinators and chapter advocacy representatives contacted me asking how >>>they could help during this period. There is a great deal of momentum and >>>interest out there and people do not want to play catch up in September. The >>>message or article was tailored to the status of the congressional delegation >>>in the area or state. States with large congressional delegations and a >>>small number of Udall Bill co-sponsors received particular attention. >>> >>>2. It is almost certain that the Sub-Committee on Public Health and Safety >>>(Senate Labor Committee) will hold a hearing on NIH research coordination. >>> The date of the hearing is July 24, 1997. The hearing is a second in a >>>series of three or four that focus on the NIH and might possibly lead to an >>>introduction of a NIH Reauthorization Bill in the Senate. The first hearing >>>was held May 1, 1997, and focused on how NIH sets research priorities. The >>>probable agenda for the second hearing, will focus on three areas - >>>population, technology and disease research coordination, with a likely focus >>>on Parkinson's during the disease research panel. Each panel will consist of >>>three individuals - one from NIH and two others. The APDA is working with >>>committee staff to ensure the panelists are fimiliar with NIH scientific >>>review, NIH intra-agency coordination and understand the politics. It is >>>also important the panelists can clearly explain the promise, scope and depth >>>of Parkinson's research. The committee approach to the hearing will be that >>>of a case study. >>> >>>3. There are other committee happenings that are taking place that people >>>should be aware of - the house and senate appropriations sub-committees will >>>soon begin to mark-up appropriations bills for the coming fiscal year. The >>>area we should pay attention to is the total appropriation for the NIH. >>> >>>4. The Parkinson's community is fortunate to have many friends who have >>>helped in advocacy efforts along the way and continue to do so. Some of >>>these people have wonderful connections and are willing to use them to help >>>advance the Udall Bill. The APDA continues to provide assistance to these >>>individuals aiding their "behind the scene" efforts. >>> >>>5. And finally, I want to thank all the coordinators, chapter and support >>>group leaders and family members who took the time to make sure as summer >>>approaches that they were prepared to keep the coordinated grassroots >>>campaign going. It is this level of interest and commitment that has >>>contributed to the early success of the Udall Bill. Remember, each new >>>co-sponsor we obtain only strenghtens our position and voice on Capitol Hill. >>> >>> >>>Keep up the good work, >>> >>>Paul Smedberg >>>APDA Washington, D.C. Office >>>1-800-684-2732 >>> >>> >> >