May 05, 2009
Gov. Ritter Signs Bill Extending Voluntary Contribution Designation
Colorado Chapter, National MS Society Hosts Ten
Gov. Ritter Signs Bill Extending Voluntary Contribution Designation
Benefiting MS on Colorado Tax Check Off at the 2009 MS Lifelines Walk MS
Colorado has one of the highest incidences of multiple sclerosis in the nation and MS Lifelines Walk MS events raise critical funds to support Coloradans with MS.
For Immediate Release
May 5, 2009
DENVER – Saturday morning, May 2, 2009 may have been cool and overcast, but more than 6,000 walkers were onsite for the 2009 MS Lifelines Walk MS at Denver City Park to applaud Gov. Bill Ritter, Jr. as he signed SB 09-126, extending the voluntary contribution designation to benefit multiple sclerosis on the state income tax form.
Both Sen. Linda Newell, who sponsored the bill in the Senate, and Rep. Dennis Apuan, who sponsored the bill in the House of Representative, were present as Gov. Ritter signed the bill. Co-sponsor Rep. Lois Court was also on hand for the signing along with Joyce Nelson, president of the National MS Society and Carrie Nolan, president, Colorado Chapter, National MS Society.
“ The Colorado Chapter of the National MS Society has received donations through the Colorado Tax Check Off for three years,” said Carrie Nolan, president, Colorado Chapter, National MS Society. “Last year alone we received more than $110,000 from 12,000 Coloradans who supported the Chapter through the Colorado Tax Check Off. People take advantage of this, as it’s easy and anonymous. These gifts add up and help us to continue to provide comprehensive programs for the more than 9,000 self-identified Coloradans diagnosed with MS,” she added.
The renewal comes at a time when the Colorado Chapter is experiencing a 300 percent increase in requests for services due to the challenging economic climate. The Colorado Tax Check Off is a valuable resource for our organization and we are appreciative of our legislators and Governor Ritter for their support of continuing this giving option,” she emphasized.
The Colorado Chapter hosts a number of walks each year to raise the funds needed to the support programs and advocacy, as well as research to find a cure. This year the Colorado Chapter is hosting 10 MS Lifelines Walk MS events, which are being held in communities throughout Colorado in May.
For more information on the impact of MS in Colorado or the specific time and location for 2009 MS Lifelines Walk MS events, visit www.walkMScolorado.org or call
303-698-7470 ext. 2.