Press Room

Governor Hickenlooper signs Senator Newell and Senator Johnston Alzheimer bill into law today

Friday, March 11 2011

“I'm honored to be the sponsor of a bill that provides support for families like mine” 

DENVER— Today, Senators Linda Newell (D-Littleton) and Mike Johnston (D-Denver) joined Governor John Hickenlooper as he signed House Bill 1028 into law. The lawmakers were joined by supporters of the bill and family members. The bill will preserve the Alzheimer's Association Fund, which is scheduled to expire this year. The fund was created in 2005 to aid individuals and families affected by Alzheimer's disease in communities throughout Colorado. It supports individuals and families in Colorado who care for persons with Alzheimer’s, and provides these Coloradans with a 24-hour help line, education classes, support groups, caregiver respite, and family counseling services. The bill signed today extends the life of the fund until the year 2020. The bill was heard in the Senate Finance Committee today, and passed unanimously.

Senator Newell, who lost her father to Alzheimer’s, shared the following comment on the bill signing today:

"In memory of my dad, I'm grateful to be part of helping people with Alzheimer's and their caregivers. I'm honored to be the sponsor of a bill that provides support for families like mine struggling through the lost years, lost names, and ultimately, lost lives.  It's important to remember this is not a senior issue. It's a Colorado issue."

Senator Johnston offered the following comment on the signing of the bill today:

“Alzheimer’s is a communal disease that requires a communal solution. As one of thousands of Coloradoans whose families have been affected by Alzheimer’s, I am humbled to know that our state and our community will continue to contribute to the solution.”

The Fund has raised over a half a million dollars since its creation to help Colorado families facing the effects of Alzheimer’s because of the generosity of Colorado taxpayers.

Coloradans support the Alzheimer's Association Fund by making a voluntary contribution through a checkoff on their tax returns.