...October 12, 2009 - Pennsylvania budget passed
On Friday, October 9 (101 days after the deadline), the PA General Assembly passed the budget for July 2009 through June 2010. The Governor signed the bill Friday evening, and checks should start to move this week. Most disability programs avoided significant cuts, and a number actually will receive increases. Congratulations to all of you who actively advocated. An analysis containing more specific information will be posted this week.
 

...September 3, 2009 - $6 million designated for MS research in the House

The House of Representatives Appropriations Committee provided $6 million for MS research funding under the Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs (CDMRP) in the Fiscal Year (FY) 2010 Defense Appropriations bill. Last year, MS activists reached a new milestone and helped secure $5 million for MS research under the CDMRP. This $1 million increase represents a 20% increase in one year - a great and significant accomplishment.

CDMRP is a Department of Defense (DoD) program funded annually via the Defense Appropriations Act. The Society has led a bold effort to have Congress provide $15 million for MS research within the CDMRP. In large part to your efforts as MS activists last year, MS research received funding under this program for the first time. This movement is an example of the power of advocacy and the influence of a grassroots campaign.

The Senate is our next challenge and will meet early in September to evaluate their version of the Defense Appropriations bill. MS activists spent the August recess meeting with their Senators at home and educating them on the importance of this funding.

Now is the time to reinforce this message with your senators. Click here and then scroll down to send an e-mail to your senators asking them to support $15 million for MS research funding under the CDMRP in the FY 2010 Defense Appropriations bill.