Congressman Waxman Responds

[Claire]

A few months ago I started writing the Democrats of the House and Senate regarding the idea of implementing Research Bonds as a way of funding research programs for SCI as well as other neuro diseases. I have written 50% of them but sidelined the task for awhile due to the September 11th tragedy and Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays. I am pleased to report I received a personalized letter from Representative Waxman from California's 29th District. I am disappointed that he was the only one. His letter came in hard copy and is lengthy so I'll quote the final point he addressed.
" Third, I am a strong supporter of increased funding for biomedical research. I believe as you do that our nation's investment in biomedical research is returned many times over in improved health and quality of life for countless Americans. Our government must continue to play an aggressive role in supporting scientific and clinical research which might otherwise never be pursued. I am pleased that the 2002 Labor HHs Appropriations Act contains a 15% increase in funding for the NIH to $23.3 billion. You can be sure to do all I can to secure further increases in funding for NIH research."
I plan on writing the rest of the Democrats of Congress by mid February as stem cell research legislation is on the agenda for early 2002. I encourage all of us to write our Senators and Congresspersons NOW to demonstrate to them how important this issue is to our livlihoods. Go to vote-smart.org and click on your state. If we don't show interest and concern, why should they?
All the best,
Claire
P.S. I've also written a draft to both Christopher Reeves and Michael J. Fox suggesting that these various disease/disability groups join forces to increase our numbers for lobbying purposes. I need help in tracking down Muhammad Ali and Janet Reno. I'd also like to link the draft over from my Word program for comments, suggestions. Is this possible and if so how?
Thanks.

[Leo]

Claire

Great job and good idea!

[marmalady]

Hi, Claire,

Try locating Janet Reno through the Florida State Democratic committee - she's running for governor in Florida.

For Ali, try a search on Muhammad Ali Foundation, or Charity, or just his name; or do a search for S.A.G. (Screen Actors Guild); if he's a member, his agent will be listed and you can contact him through his agent.

Good work! Hope this helps.

[Claire]

Thanks Leo and Marmalady.
I will contact SAG as I have done your suggested searches w/o success. I'll go to the library and do a search on Reno there. I feel like a DO-DO. I had'nt read earlier posts in this forum. I have so many fax numbers in my address book from my letter writing campaign. I will get together Pa.'s State members for you. Do you just want e-mail addresses?
Claire

[calico]

Over the last 6 months, I've sent around 80 letters to both the House and Senate subcommittees on health re: central pain syndrome. I've received 2 replies and one was from Waxman just received yesterday. It's nice to know he/his staff is spending some time on these issues.

Calico

Originally posted by Claire:

A few months ago I started writing the Democrats of the House and Senate regarding the idea of implementing Research Bonds as a way of funding research programs for SCI as well as other neuro diseases. I have written 50% of them but sidelined the task for awhile due to the September 11th tragedy and Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays. I am pleased to report I received a personalized letter from Representative Waxman from California's 29th District. I am disappointed that he was the only one. His letter came in hard copy and is lengthy so I'll quote the final point he addressed.
" Third, I am a strong supporter of increased funding for biomedical research. I believe as you do that our nation's investment in biomedical research is returned many times over in improved health and quality of life for countless Americans. Our government must continue to play an aggressive role in supporting scientific and clinical research which might otherwise never be pursued. I am pleased that the 2002 Labor HHs Appropriations Act contains a 15% increase in funding for the NIH to $23.3 billion. You can be sure to do all I can to secure further increases in funding for NIH research."
I plan on writing the rest of the Democrats of Congress by mid February as stem cell research legislation is on the agenda for early 2002. I encourage all of us to write our Senators and Congresspersons NOW to demonstrate to them how important this issue is to our livlihoods. Go to vote-smart.org and click on your state. If we don't show interest and concern, why should they?
All the best,
Claire
P.S. I've also written a draft to both Christopher Reeves and Michael J. Fox suggesting that these various disease/disability groups join forces to increase our numbers for lobbying purposes. I need help in tracking down Muhammad Ali and Janet Reno. I'd also like to link the draft over from my Word program for comments, suggestions. Is this possible and if so how?
Thanks.