Never a dull moment!
August is typically a quiet month on Capitol Hill, with nearly all members of Congress back in their home districts. But as you know, solutions to public health issues like Alzheimer's aren't just found in the halls of Congress, but throughout the Alzheimer's nation in communities big and small. That's why this month advocates like you are hard at work making progress in the fight against this devastating disease.
Alzheimer's Association Chapters around the country will be hosting Town Hall events in the coming weeks, with additional events being planned for September and October. Find a Town Hall near you and get involved. Come engage elected officials and public health leaders on the importance of implementing the National Alzheimer’s Plan, increasing resources for Alzheimer’s research and programs, and furthering your state's efforts to address this disease.
Resolution? Not quite.
Efforts to ensure that Congress adequately funds Alzheimer’s initiatives continue, despite recent setbacks. Both House and Senate Appropriations Subcommittees have put forth bills that fail to include additional resources for Alzheimer's disease. And just prior to the August recess, it was announced that House and Senate leadership reached a temporary deal on federal spending. With the 2012 election looming, and limited time in September, it was tentatively agreed to that a Continuing Resolution (CR) will fund federal agencies at their current budget levels from October 2012 through March 2013.
Like you, we are disappointed that Congress has not taken this opportunity to support the implementation of the National Alzheimer’s Plan with additional funding. However, it is important to remember that the federal funding process is a year-long effort. It is not a sprint, it is a marathon. We have important opportunities over the next several months including, most immediately, our Town Hall meetings to advocate for $100 million in additional resources for Alzheimer’s disease research, education, care and support activities.
Contact your members of Congress and urge them to make Alzheimer's a national priority!
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