WHEREAS, The week of March 11, 2018, through March 17, 2018, has been declared Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Week in recognition of the importance of finding the cause of, and a cure for, multiple sclerosis and to express appreciation to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society; and

WHEREAS, Multiple sclerosis is a neurological disease of the central nervous system that affects an estimated 400,000 Americans across the country with nearly 200 new cases diagnosed each week; and

WHEREAS, More than 40,000 people in California are affected by this devastating disease; and

WHEREAS, Twice as many women as men have multiple sclerosis, and most people are diagnosed between 20 and 50 years of age; and

WHEREAS, While there is no evidence that multiple sclerosis is directly inherited, studies indicate genetic factors make certain individuals more susceptible than others; and

WHEREAS, The National Multiple Sclerosis Society, founded in 1946, funds more research, offers more services for people with multiple sclerosis, and provides more professional education programs than any other multiple sclerosis organization in the world; and

WHEREAS, The National Multiple Sclerosis Society is the largest private supporter of multiple sclerosis research in the world and, for more than 55 years, it has funded innovative research and advocated for government support of important scientific inquiries; and

WHEREAS, Throughout the years, the National Multiple Sclerosis Society has been committed to heightening public knowledge and insight, and is currently planning several major statewide educational programs to raise awareness about the effects of multiple sclerosis; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the Assembly of the State of California, That the Assembly declares the week of March 11, 2018, through March 17, 2018, as Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Week, and that the residents of the State of California are encouraged to join together in raising awareness and heightening public knowledge of this debilitating disease; and be it further

Resolved, That the Chief Clerk of the Assembly transmit copies of this resolution to the author for appropriate distribution.

Date of Hearing: March 1, 2018

ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON RULES

Ken Cooley, Chair

ABPCA Bill Id:HR 82

Author:(McCarty) – As Introduced Ver:February 14, 2018

SUBJECT: Relative to Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Week

SUMMARY: Declares the week of March 11, 2018, through March 17, 2018, as Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Week. Specifically, this resolution makes the following legislative findings:

1. The week of March 11, 2018, through March 17, 2018, has been declared Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Week in recognition of the importance of finding the cause of, and a cure for, multiple sclerosis and to express appreciation to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.
2. Multiple sclerosis is a neurological disease of the central nervous system that affects an estimated 400,000 Americans across the country, with nearly 200 new cases diagnosed each week. More than 40,000 people in California are affected by this devastating disease.
3. Twice as many women as men have multiple sclerosis and most are diagnosed between 20 and 50 years of age. While studies indicate genetic factors make certain individuals more susceptible than others, there is no evidence that multiple sclerosis is directly inherited.
4. The National Multiple Sclerosis Society, founded in 1946, funds more research, offers more services for people with multiple sclerosis, and provides more professional education programs than any other multiple sclerosis organization in the world.
5. Throughout the years, the Multiple Sclerosis Society has been committed to heightening public knowledge and insight, and is currently planning several major statewide educational programs to raise awareness about the effects of multiple sclerosis.

FISCAL EFFECT: None

REGISTERED SUPPORT / OPPOSITION:

Support

National Multiple Sclerosis Society

Opposition

None on file

Analysis Prepared by: Nicole Willis / RLS. / (916) 319-2800