20 years and counting: MS Activists leave their mark on Capitol Hill
This year marks the 20th MS Public Policy conference that occurred March 7-9 in Washington D.C. Hundreds of MS activists from every state gather to urge Congress to support this year’s top three public policy priority issues. The chapter delegation included staff and volunteers from each state that made eighteen visits to members of the delegation. This year’s public policy priority issues are:
- Funding for MS research in the Congressionally Directed Medical Research program in the Department of Defense
- Support for the Adult Day Achievement Center Act
- Legislation that would allow neurologists to qualify for Medicare payment incentives
- Joining the MS caucus
A special thanks to current MS caucus members Senators Susan Collins of Maine and Bernard Sanders of Vermont, and Representatives Edward Markey and James McGovern of MA and Peter Welch of Vermont. Members from VT, NH, ME and MA who have not joined the MS Caucus were invited to join.
A special thanks to Senator Susan Collins of Maine who is co-sponsoring the Improving Access to Care legislation.
 Volunteers Linda Bossi, Sarah Jacoby, and Marcia Akers, with Chapter President & CEO Arlyn White |
 Ken Jones, chapter board of trustee member; staff from Representative Chellie Pingree’s office; volunteer Marcia Akers; volunteer Linda Bossi; Advocacy Manager Michelle Dickson |