August Recess: TIME TO ACT!
Despite hope that the Morris K. Udall Parkinson's Research and
Education Act might be considered before Congress broke away for its
annual August recess, the bill is poised for action soon after Congress'
September 3rd return.
The tremendous grassroots, direct lobbying and follow-up activity
during and after the July Public Policy Forum in Washington, DC has
boosted the Udall bill's Senate and House cosponsors to 63 and 239
respectively, reaching -- in four months -- the same totals achieved in
the two years of the 104th Congress. As important, the caliber of
support is greater: a near majority of Republicans on the House Commerce
Committee, as well as influential House leaders Tom DeLay (R-TX),
Majority Whip, and Gerald Solomon (R-NY), Chairman of the powerful Rules
Committee.
With Congress home in August, Parkinson's advocates have a major
opportunity to fuel the bill's momentum towards ultimate passage in the
fall.
1. Meet personally with your Representative and Senators. Nearly every
Member of Congress will be holding public forums to interact with their
constituents. These forums may include appearances at shopping centers,
holding "town hall meetings" or giving speeches and "pressing the flesh"
at Labor Day picnics and parades. All are great opportunities for
direct contact with your legislators to deliver your personal story and
stress the national need for the Udall bill.
2. Call your Members' local offices for schedules of August events.
Check your local telephone book, or contact the Network at (800)
850-4726, for your Members' local telephone numbers. If no events are
scheduled, or none that you can attend, ask to schedule personals
a special support group meeting based on the Member's availability. If
August doesn't work, weekends in September and October may be the next
best option. Don't forget to invite your local media!
(contd.)
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Parkinson's Action Network
800-850-4726
Headquarters:
818 College Ave., Suite C
Santa Rosa, CA 95404
707-544-1994 phone
707-544-2363 fax
Washington, DC
202-628-2079
email: [log in to unmask]
DC email: [log in to unmask]
