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I would like to here from anyone in Pennsylvania who is willing to help keep the momentum we have going with the Udall Bill. In particular I'm interested in establishing an advocacy network in Pennsylvania that can effectively persuade our Pennsylvania federal legislators that there is a well organized state wide organization interested in increasing funding for Parkinson's disease research. Pennsylvania will play a very important role in this years appropriation process which will actually make available the funds authorized in the Udall Bill. With last years 95--3 Senate vote in favor of attaching the Udall Bill to be 1998 Appropriations Bill and it's passage into law we have overcome the biggest hurdle. The push for increased Parkinson's research funding has great momentum now. But momentum is not MONEY. We must remind our supporters that we continued to need their help and support. Pennsylvania has some very influential legislators. These include: Senator Specter is chairman of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee with jurisdiction over the National Institutes of Health. Senator Specter will visit the University of Pittsburgh's Parkinson's research and clinical facilities on May 18th. Senator Specter played a critical role in the Udall Bill language remaining intact as part of the 1998 Appropriations Bill. Senator Santorum support has been important as he is viewed as both a fiscal conservative and a strong pro life support. Congressmen Joe McDade of Scranton is not only the No. 2 ranking member of the House Appropriations Committee but one of two current Representatives who has Parkinson's disease. Congressmen Jim Greenwood of suburban Philadelphia occupies a key position in the House Republican leadership. He is reported to have direct access to Newt Gingerhich. He is also on the Commerce Subcommittee which has jurisdiction from an authorization standpoint. Congressman John Murtha is the 3rd ranking member of the Appropriations Committee. Congressman Ron Klink is a member of the Commerce Subcommittee which has jurisdiction from an authorization standpoint. In particular I am interested in contacting members of support groups through out the state. If you belong to a support group, please get in touch with me Jim Cordy Pittsburgh [log in to unmask]