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Date: Friday, June 26, 1998 12:56:42 AM From: [log in to unmask] Subj: Parkinson's Caucus Please refer any questions or comments to Michael Claeys at the Parkinson's Action Network, 800-850-4726." "Congressional Parkinson's Caucus During the recent Public Policy Forum in Washington, DC Maine's Ivan Suzman had a meeting with Representative John Baldacci (D-ME) in which the topic of forming a Congressional Parkinson's Caucus was brought up. This is a reasonable suggestion, worthy of consideration -- as demonstrated by the level of discussion since Ivan posted the suggestion on the Listserve. The idea of a Parkinson's Caucus should definitely be discussed, but I would like to suggest that we wait a few months to undertake that discussion -- until after Congressional adjournment and the November elections. Until Congress passes the fiscal year 1999 Labor, Health & Human Services, Education and Related Agencies Appropriations bill, the top priority of the Parkinson's community must remain making every possible effort to ensure the allocation of appropriations fully funding the Udall Parkinson's Research Act. Formation of a Parkison's Caucus brings up many questions that no one in our community can answer at this time. Among them are: What are the specific goals of such a caucus? Who will chair or co-chair the caucus? Who will pay for the expenses sure to be incured by the activities of the caucus (when the Republicans took over Congress in 1994 they cut back funding for many of the long-established House caucuses.) And this is just the tip of the iceberg. Resolving all these questions and ironing out logistical details will surely take time and effort away from the all-important campaign for appropriations for additional Parkinson's research. For these and other reasons, I respectfully ask that everyone curtail any discussion of forming a Parkinson's Caucus until after this year's Congressional session and the November elections. Thank you for your understanding and for adhering to the priorities of our community. Please refer any questions or comments to Michael Claeys at the Parkinson's Action Network, 800-850-4726."