Thank You for Attending the
National MS Society
2010 Public Policy Conference
March 1-3, 2010
Hill Visit Feedback
Please submit the results of your visits on Capitol Hill. Click here to enter your feedback. All visit coordinators should make sure that information on all visits is submitted no later than Friday, March 19.
How was the PPC?
Click here to send us your comments. Please fill out this feedback survey no later than Friday, March 19.
Did you enjoy the reading by Jeffrey Gingold at the Conference?
Wisconsin MS Activist Jeffrey Gingold is an outspoken volunteer advocate on MS and cognitive disability. He is an internationally acclaimed author of “Facing the Cognitive Challenges of Multiple Sclerosis" and “Mental Sharpening Stones: Manage the Cognitive Challenges of Multiple Sclerosis.” Click here to order his books.
2010 Priority Issues
Government Relations 101. Presentation from National MS Society Manager of Federal Government Relations Laura Weidner
Lifespan Respite: Respite care services are vital to ensuring quality home-based care for people living with MS. The Lifespan Respite Care Act was enacted in 2006, but since, minimal funding has been allocated. Though the program was authorized at $71.1 million in FY 2010, it only received $2.5 million. At the PPC, we will advocate for full funding of Lifespan Respite for FY 2011 in the amount of $94.81 million. Download the position paper.
- Presentation from ARCH National Respite Coalition Chair Jill Kagan
- Presentation from National MS Society Region E EVP Kim Suiter
National MS and Parkinson’s Disease Registries Act: A National MS Surveillance System will help ascertain the true incidence and prevalence rates of MS nationwide, and information gathered could help with research into potential environmental and genetic factors associated with MS. In the 111th Congress, we continue to partner with the Parkinson’s disease community to pass the National MS and Parkinson’s Disease Registries Act (H.R. 1362/S. 1273). Download the position paper.
Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs: Emerging evidence indicates a potential link between combat service and an increased incidence of MS. MS activists have been successful in opening a new funding stream for MS research within the Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs (CDMRP). In FY 2009, an MS program in the CDMRP was first established with a $5 million appropriation. Despite a very tough budget year and troubled economy, the program received an appropriation of $4.5 million in FY 2010. Download the position paper.
Listen to the PPC Advanced Issue Preparation Call
Save the Date
2011 Public Policy Conference
March 7-9, 2011
Hilton Alexandria Mark Center Hotel