I've been setting up meetings, working out a schedule to meet with legislator aides and holding down my full-time job!
Next Friday morning, I'll meet with Jennifer, a member of Senator Bob Corker's staff, in Union City, TN to discuss the IBD bill. Then, I'll drive to Jackson, TN to meet with Brad, a member of Congressman John Tanner's staff.
Tomorrow, ther
e is a event in Lexington, TN where Congresswoman Marsha Blackburn will be in attendance. I plan on making the drive to Sparky's Pizzeria and Grill for the one hour meeting. Scott, from Congresswoman Blackburn's office, said this was a "town hall" meeting so there is no guarantee that I'll get to speak with her, but I'll make every attempt to request a moment of her time. Congresswoman Blackburn co-sponsored the previous bill (H.R. 1113), so I hope she will again sign on this time around.One issue about "The IBD Research and Awareness Act" that comes up a lot is funding. Funding concerns are not an issue with this bill. There is no money associated with the National Institute of Health (NIH) section and very nominal amounts in the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) section.
Plus, this is an authorizing bill, not an appropriations bill. So, money for programs at the CDC won't material until the bill is passed and the Appropriations Committee provides funding in its annual spending bill for the CDC. *Thank to Gavin for the additional insight.
I hope that clarifies any misunderstandings and helps everyone realize just how important this bill is for IBD patients. This bill will help existing patients, but also encourage those who may be suffering from symptoms to see a gastroenterologist. If people are aware of the signs, they can be properly diagnosed and start an effective treatment program.
I didn't know anything about Crohn's, colitis or IBD in February 2000 when I was diagnosed. Now, I have a wealth of knowledge and want to help share that so no one has to go through the pain and embarrassment that I experienced.
One last note for today. I would like to thank Nick Collard for all his hard work raising awareness about IBD and fund-raising with his Team Challenge program. Please, support his work by donating to his team and help him reach his goal!
Be well and I wish everyone great health.
Cheers,
B
Well, I noticed that is at a PRIVATE Restaurant so, if you expect to go to pass out ANTI-Marsha pamphlets, good luck. She came to Collierville at a ‘private’ owned restaurant and her handlers told me that the restaurant owner did not want me passing out my stuff there.
ReplyDeleteWhy doesn’t she have a REAL town hall at a Public building?
Marsha Blackburn Voted FOR:
Omnibus Appropriations, Special Education, Global AIDS Initiative, Job Training, Unemployment Benefits, Labor-HHS-Education Appropriations, Agriculture Appropriations, U.S.-Singapore Trade, U.S.-Chile Trade, Supplemental Spending for Iraq & Afghanistan, Prescription Drug Benefit, Child Nutrition Programs, Surface Transportation, Job Training and Worker Services, Agriculture Appropriations, Foreign Aid, Vocational/Technical Training, Supplemental Appropriations, UN “Reforms.” Patriot Act Reauthorization, CAFTA, Katrina Hurricane-relief Appropriations, Head Start Funding, Line-item Rescission, Oman Trade Agreement, Military Tribunals, Electronic Surveillance, Head Start Funding, COPS Funding, Funding the REAL ID Act (National ID), Foreign Intelligence Surveillance, Thought Crimes “Violent Radicalization and Homegrown Terrorism Prevention Act, Peru Free Trade Agreement, Economic Stimulus, Farm Bill (Veto Override), Warrantless Searches, Employee Verification Program, Body Imaging Screening.
Marsha Blackburn Voted AGAINST:
Ban on UN Contributions, eliminate Millennium Challenge Account, WTO Withdrawal, UN Dues Decrease, Defunding the NAIS, Iran Military Operations defunding Iraq Troop Withdrawal, congress authorization of Iran Military Operations.
Marsha Blackburn is my Congressman.
See her unconstitutional votes at :
http://tinyurl.com/qhayna
Mickey
Thanks for the mention, I'm adding you to my blogroll and should have that audio ready to go in a bit. Take care, and keep up the cause! Look forward to seeing you around sometime.
ReplyDelete