The National Plan to End Parkinson's Has Been Reintroduced!

The National Plan to End Parkinson’s Act (H.R.2365/S.1064) has been reintroduced! On March 29, Senators Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) and Christopher Murphy (D-CT) and Representatives Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) and Paul Tonko (D-NY) reintroduced the legislation in the Senate and House of Representatives. This is exciting news, but it is only the beginning of the work needed to get the bill passed and signed into law. As more information becomes available about the legislation and its path forward during the May UPAC meeting – we will share it.

Meanwhile, there are some resources where you can go to learn more. The National Plan Action Center (https://michaeljfox.quorum.us/NationalPlan/) has been updated to include links that enable advocates to call and write their members of Congress to share information about the bill with friends and family. The team reaches out to advocates who use these links to see if they would like to join meetings with their Congress and/or staff. The action center also includes links for advocates to learn about frequently asked questions and how to tell your story effectively, as well as the National Plan one-pager the team shares with members of Congress and their staff in direct lobbying efforts.

Alabama Senators to contact include US Senator Katie Britt and US Senator Tommy Tuberville. US Representatives of Congress include Mike Rogers, Dale Strong, Gary Palmer, Barry Moore, Terri Sewell, Jerry Carl and Robert Aderholt. You can find a directory with office phone numbers for congressional representatives at https://www.house.gov/representatives. However, it is easiest to write your members of congress utilizing the Michael J. Fox Foundation’s National Plan Action Center with pre-populated templates with the information they need to know.

YOUR VOICE MATTERS!

You can use your voice to create meaningful change in Congress that will prioritize a cure for Parkinson’s. Our community is coming together to support the National Plan to End Parkinson’s Act.

The National Plan to End Parkinson’s Act is first-of-its-kind legislation that will unite the federal government in a mission to prevent and cure Parkinson’s. This legislation has monumental potential to accelerate a cure and care for those living with Parkinson’s and their families, and we need your help to get it passed.

You bring a unique experience and perspective in sharing your Parkinson’s journey, and your voice matters. Lawmakers record how many calls they get on a particular bill, especially when you explain why the bill matters to you.

When you are ready, you can call Congress directly from your phone by looking up your senator’s and representatives’ office numbers online or by calling the U.S. Capitol switchboard at 1.202.224.3121 and asking to be connected to their offices.

Below is a sample script that you can use when calling your representatives:

Hello! My name is [your name], and I am calling from [your city/state].

I am calling to ask [Representative/Senator ______] to co-sponsor the National Plan to End Parkinson’s Act. It is bill number H.R. 2365/X. 1064.

The National Plan to End Parkinson’s Act is bipartisan, no-cost legislation that would create an advisory council to ensure efficient and effective coordination among all federal entities with responsibility for managing, treating, and curing Parkinson’s disease. [Please share a brief snippet of your personal story or connection to Parkinson’s disease.]

I am asking [Representative/Senator ______] to show their support for the Parkinson’s Community by co-sponsoring the National Plan to End Parkinson’s Act. I am happy to answer questions about my experience with Parkinson’s disease, and I would appreciate a response once (Representative/Senator ____], has decided to co-sponsor the bill.

Thank you for your time today.