Press Room

Newell Bill to help families affected by Multiple Sclerosis passes Senate Committee

Thursday, May 5 2011

“Helps individuals adjust to life with MS”

DENVER— A bill to reauthorize the Multiple Sclerosis tax check-off passed the Senate Finance Committee today.  House Bill 1295, sponsored by Senator Linda Newell (D-Littleton), secures a slot on state income tax forms for individuals to contribute to the Multiple Sclerosis Fund which provides support to people living with MS.  

Senator Newell offered the following comment on the bill’s committee approval:

“Multiple Sclerosis affects Coloradans at one of the highest rates in the nation.  With annual care costing around $70,000, this disease puts a huge financial burden on families throughout the state.  This tax check-off will help these families by providing research and assistance to help individuals adjust to life with MS.”

Multiple Sclerosis is a disease that affects the central nervous system (the brain, spinal cord and optic nerves) by disrupting the flow of information from the brain to the body.  

One in 540 Coloradans has MS, one of the highest rates in the nation.  MS has such a profound economic impact because it strikes individuals in the prime of their lives (age 20-50). The Colorado MS Fund helps families by providing financial assistance, self-help groups and education and fitness classes.
 
In addition to Senator Newell’s sponsorship of House Bill 1295, she is working to support families who are affected by MS by leading the “Capitol Crew” in the MS Walk in Denver.  The MS Walk is an annual 1 to 3-mile walk around City Park to raise money to help find a cure for MS.  This year’s fundraising goal for the Capitol Crew is $1,000.

House Bill 1295 passed the Senate Finance Committee unanimously and will now be heard in the Senate Appropriations Committee before going to the full Senate.