September 2008
Delays will impact Alzheimer research funding
Alzheimer research funding will remain stalled at approximately $644 million for the next few months. There are only days left until Congress adjourns and Congressional leaders have decided that work on the annual appropriations bills for fiscal year 2009 (which begins Oct. 1, 2008) will be postponed until after the election.
Congress will pass a “continuing resolution” (CR) to temporarily fund all federal government agencies, including the National Institutes of Health (NIH), at 2008 levels. The CR will also fund programs that support Alzheimer caregivers (see chart below).
The Congressional schedule beyond September is unclear at this point. Congress may convene after November 4 to deal with unfinished business including passing another “continuing resolution” to keep the government operating through early 2009. It is also possible that lawmakers could use a “lame duck session” to finish work on funding approved by the Appropriations Committees in July 2008.
The outcome of the election will be a big factor in determining what, if anything, Congress does in November. Alzheimer advocates will have an opportunity to take local action with the new Congress in late 2008. Stay tuned for details.
Federal funding chart
| Alzheimer Funding |
2008 Budget
(current)
|
2009 Budget
(Proposed Increase)
|
| Research (NIH) |
~$644 million |
~$662 million |
| State Matching Grants |
$11.4 million |
$11.4 million |
| 24/7 Helpline |
$1 million |
$1 million |
| CDC Brain Health Initiative |
$1.6 million |
$1.8 million |
What can I do now?
Help win $1.5 million to fight Alzheimer's.
Great news! Thanks to your nominations,
Alzheimer's Disease: Early Detection Matters has moved onto the next round of the American Express Members Project. This round of voting, exclusively for American Express Cardmembers, narrows the top 25 projects down to five.
Vote now if you're an American Express Cardmember.
If you know someone who has an American Express card, forward this e-mail and ask for their help.
How to vote:
1. Visit the Alzheimer's Disease: Early Detection Matters project page.
2. Click "Vote for this Project."
3. Cardmembers will be prompted to log in. If you've never logged in, you will be asked to create a username and password. Make sure to have your American Express card number handy!
3. You will be redirected to the home page of the Members Project. Find the Alzheimer's project by clicking the "View Complete List" link (near the top of the page), which will take you to this page.
4. Select Alzheimer's Disease: Early Detection Matters and click "Vote for this Project."
Vote now
Your vote counts in the fight against Alzheimer's! With just a few clicks, you can help make a huge impact in the fight against Alzheimer's disease.
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Save the date! 21st Annual Public Policy Forum
Next year’s
Public Policy Forum will be held March 23-25, 2009 at the Omni Shoreham Hotel in Washington, D.C.
Questions?
Contact:
advocate@alz.org
