Locally, our Government Relations Committee sets the Chapter’s legislative priorities. A nonpartisan body, it monitors and advocates for legislation beneficial to the disability community. The Committee’s advocacy efforts include face-to-face meetings with municipal and state lawmakers. It meets quarterly and is comprised of volunteers, including people with MS, their loved ones, legal professionals and other experts.
The Northern California Chapter and MS activists are currently pursuing:
- Health care reform
- Improved community resources
- Disability rights
- Long-term care resources
- Access to quality health care services
- Increased funding for MS research
-
Accessible, affordable health insurance
State Issues
- AB 369 Healthcare Coverage: Prescription Drugs
- SB 419 Safe Needle Disposal: Drug Manufacturer Responsibility
- AB 1800 Fair Out-of-Pocket Expenses
Federal Issues
Read about our crucial advocacy work urging federal legislators support on the following topics:
- Increased funding for MS research through Congressionally Directed Medical Research Funding and National Institutes of Health (NIH)
- Join the MS Caucus
- Enhance the Lifespan Respite Program
- Support MS Awareness Week
In Washington, D.C., we are working toward positive legislative change. Read about our priority MS issues.
Read MS action alerts here.
Read the National Health Care Reform Principles . These principles help guide our role in the national health care reform debate and determine the Society’s policy priorities.
Full-time staff members work solely on advocacy from our public policy office in Washington, D.C., and from our chapter offices in Northern California. Each year, volunteers from our chapter also attend advocacy action days on Capitol Hill and in Sacramento, bringing our message to lawmakers.
Learn more about current hot topics in advocacy or for more information, contact Public Policy Director Stewart Ferry at stewart.ferry@nmss.org or at 1-800-344-4867, (415) 230-6678.