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Priority Issues

PA CAN
The Pennsylvania Collaborative Advocacy Network (PACAN) advocates for many issues important to those living with MS and their friends and family. We advocate for better laws regarding health care, housing, transportation, research and more. Click here for a full list (.doc) and detailed descriptions of everything the PACAN advocates for. 

Click here for Updates on Health Care Reform.

Click here for our Federal Position Papers and Policies. 

The Pennsylvania State Budget

The Pennsylvania chapters of the National MS Society work through the Disability Budget Coalition to help advocate for line items in the budget that affect those living with multiple sclerosis and other disabilities. Our goal is to achieve coordinated services and supports that meet the needs of individuals with physical disabilities and their family members. These services and supports must reflect the importance of consumer control and empowerment. Programs should be available to all people with disabilities, regardless of their age, age of onset of their disability or where they live. Recognizing the importance of unity among diverse groups, the coalition is made up of more than 80 groups from across Pennsylvania. 

ThThe National MS Society seeks to have healthy balance in our long term living services system. Home and community based services help people with disabilities and family members to work and pay taxes. They allow people living with multiple sclerosis to remain in the community with their families, where they belong.

To learn more about the programs that we advocate for, download our State Budget Position Statement (.doc).

Tobacco Settlement Funds:

The Pennsylvania chapters of the National MS Society opposes Governor Tom Corbett’s plan to eliminate the Tobacco Settlement Fund, and oppose the proposal to create a seventh Pennsylvania business loan fund, Liberty Loans, with $220 million in Health Endowment Account dollars.  

We support the current statutory language that allocates 30% of Tobacco Settlement dollars to adult health insurance programs including Medical Assistance for Workers with Disabilities and adultBasic or a successor program or programs.