Contact Your Senators to Protect MS Research

On Sat. February 19, the House of Representatives passed the Continuing Resolution (CR) for the remainder of FY 2011 (H.R. 1) by a vote of 235 to 189. The CR includes a $1.6 billion cut in NIH funding from the FY 2010 level. This is a 5.2% cut from last year and would reduce the NIH budget all the way down to the 2008 funding level. Furthermore, if enacted, the entire cut would have to be absorbed in the remaining months of Fiscal Year 2011 (between now and September 30) – significantly intensifying the impact of the reduction. Contact your Senator today and tell them the importance of NIH funding and vote against H.R. 1!

As the primary federal agency responsible for conducting and supporting biomedical research, NIH drives scientific innovation and develops new and better diagnostics, prevention strategies, and more effective treatments. NIH funded approximately $153 million in MS research in FY 2010. This continuous funding over the past decade has resulted in research that shed light on how MS lesions develop. These NIH discoveries are helping find the cause, alter the immune response, and develop new MS therapies. NIH discoveries also have paved the way for biotech and pharmaceutical companies’ development of the existing treatments for MS, as well as many drugs for MS in various stages of clinical testing.

NIH funding also helps the economy. More than 83% of NIH funding is spent in communities across the nation, creating jobs at more than 3,000 universities, medical schools, teaching hospitals, and other research institutions in every state.

Both the House and Senate currently are in recess until Monday, February 28, however, the Senate is expected to vote when they return on February 28.

Your help can make the difference in millions of dollars for MS research! Email your Senators today!

To keep future MS activism messages out of your junk folder, add the following address to your contacts or safe sender list: MSActionNetwork@nmss.org

Federal Focus Take Action! February 2011 House Reintroduces the Congressional MS Caucus

The National Multiple Sclerosis Society is pleased to announce the reintroduction of the Congressional Multiple Sclerosis Caucus in the U.S. House of Representatives. As a new Congress commences, the MS Caucus offers great opportunity to educate new Congressional Members and staff and engage returning Members about the impact of multiple sclerosis. Ask your Member of Congress to join the MS Caucus today!

The Congressional MS Caucus provides you, as an MS activist, with champions in Congress to count on for leadership and support of MS issues. The group helps bolster our advocacy efforts and gives us an even more effective presence on Capitol Hill. The bi-partisan MS Caucus serves as a forum for members of Congress, their staff, related organizations, and individuals to discuss critical health care, disability, research, and other issues affecting people living with MS and their families. The MS Caucus raises awareness about the disease and helps us move closer to a world free of MS.

Since 2007, the Congressional MS Caucus has become a large and active body in both the House of Representatives and the Senate. At the end of the 111th Congress, we had 133 Representatives and 23 Senators on the MS Caucus. The MS Caucus in the House will continue to be led by our previous dedicated co-chairs Congressman Michael Burgess (TX-26th) and Congressman Russ Carnahan (MO- 3rd) and will join efforts with our Senate Caucus co-chairs Senator Orrin Hatch (UT) and Senator Robert P. Casey, Jr. (PA).

Now is the time to begin recruiting Members to support the MS movement. Email your Representative today and ask him/her to join the MS Caucus now!

As 112th Congress Commences, Focus on Transitional Roles and Budget

January 2011 began a new era in Congress. Over the past month, the new Members of Congress have been sworn into office and the Republicans assumed the majority in the House of Representatives, while the Democrats retained control in the Senate. These changes have resulted in a transformation in Congressional committee make-up and leadership. Since the 111th Congress, all House committees have changed leadership and size; in the Senate, the leadership has remained consistent, though committee make-up has changed some.

The new Republican House leadership has also announced a new legislative agenda for this session of Congress. The main priority currently is to contain spending efforts. In an attempt to reach this goal, House leadership has guidelines to significantly reduce discretionary spending, which includes banning appropriations for special projects, (otherwise known as earmarks) and potentially rolling back spending to 2008 levels. Another issue is how Congress will complete Fiscal Year 2011 appropriations. At the end of last session, the 111th Congress approved a Continuing Resolution (CR) that largely flat funds the federal government and federal programs until March 4. The final funding level for two Society priorities—multiple sclerosis research funding within the Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs (CDMRP) and the Lifespan Respite Care Program—will depend on which path Congress takes.

As these efforts move forward, the National MS Society will monitor how these changes could impact our community and keep you informed of any ways you can get engaged.

MS Society Will Honor 2010 Representatives and Senator of the Year

Each year, the National MS Society recognizes the elected officials who have worked to improve the lives of people with multiple sclerosis. These elected officials supported the Society, our chapters, our policy priorities, and most importantly—people living with multiple sclerosis throughout 2010. The National MS Society is pleased to announce the Representatives and Senator of the Year for 2010:

* Representative James R. Langevin (RI-2nd)
* Representative William “Mac” Thornberry (TX-13th)
* Senator Robert P. Casey, Jr. (PA)

These awardees were nominated by chapters and selected unanimously by the Society’s National Board of Directors. Each honoree will be recognized at the 2011 MS Public Policy Conference in March. We would like to thank these leaders for working to improve the quality of life for those affected by MS and we look forward to continuing to work with them in the 112th Congress.

To keep future MS activism messages out of your junk folder, add the following address to your contacts or safe sender list: MSActionNetwork@nmss.org

Sweet Socials – A Tasty Way to Network & Socialize!

Meet others in the MS community while enjoying dessert and a relaxing evening. Share information and learn more about the programs and services available to you. A variety of decadent desserts provided – bring your sweet tooth! Significant others, friends and adult family are welcome (limit – up to 2 adult guests per participant please). FREE!
Lewiston, ME Chocolate Social, February 11, 6 – 8 pm
Register by February 9th
W. Roxbury, MA Sweet Social, February 11, 6 – 8 pm
Register by February 9th
Winooski, VT Chocolate Social, February 12, 6 – 8 pm
Register by February 9th
Portsmouth, NH Sweet Social, February 19, 1 – 3 pm
Register by February 12th

To register for this program or for more information, please call 1-800-344-4867 or visit www.MSnewengland.org.


National Multiple Sclerosis Society
Greater New England Chapter
101A First Avenue, Suite 6
Waltham, MA 02451-1115
tel: 1 800-344-4867
fax: 1 781-890-2089
MSnewengland.org