Thank You Congressman Murphy

Congressman Murphy,

Thank you for meeting with Kristen O'Toole and I August 31st, making yourself available to us to once again review the National Multiple Sclerosis Society’s current legislative priorities. As both MS Activists and constituents we welcome the opportunity to discuss these matters with our Member of Congress.

The issues we presented were:

• FY 2018 NIH funding, the Society seeks a $2 billion increase in funding from 2017 levels.

• FY 2018 MSRP (MS research within the CDMRP), the Society seeks an increase to $10 million in the FY 2018 budget. This is a $4 million increase over FY 2016 funding. And the MSRP was unable to administer research grants in FY 2017 due to having the federal government operating under a continuing resolution.

This veteran is keenly aware that more investment in research is needed. On average, fewer than 15% of research applications submitted to the MS CDMRP were funded annually between FY 2009 and FY 2014.  

• Provide $5 million in FY 2018 for the CDC’s National Neurological Conditions Surveillance System. The System was included in the 21st Century Cures Act (Public Law No. 114-255). 21st Century Cures authorized $5 million per year from 2018 thru 2020 for system implementation.

• Please cosponsor the FAIR Drug Pricing Act (H.R. 2439)  The act would require manufacturers to submit a transparency & justification report before a price increase of 10% in a 12 month period or more than 25% in a 36 month period. The average price of MS disease modifying therapies has increased from $16,000/yr. in 2004 to $83,688/yr in 2017.  

The time committed to our meeting is greatly appreciated. And if you have occasion to need the perspective of an individual with MS or a chronic disability, all you need do is ask!  

Sincerely

Frank Austin

f.frank.austin@gmail.com

(412) 315-9158

cc: Kristen O’Toole