Grassroots

Advocacy

What is advocacy and why should I get involved? Advocacy is individuals committed to influencing positive changes in their lives, their communities and in their elected governments by making their personal stories and opinions known.

Getting involved means calling, writing a letter, sending an email, or even visiting your elected representatives who serve you in Washington DC, and in your state. You CAN make change happen.
One way to get involved is to support the ARTHRITIS PREVENTION, CONTROL AND CURE ACT. (See below for information). We need your help. Please become an arthritis advocate by visiting the National Advocacy web page at www.arthritis.org/advocacy or by contacting Ann Mangelsdorf at 314-991-9333, ext. 309.

Home Access Tax Credit (HB327) Passed

The Eastern Missouri Chapter supported this bill at Advocacy Day in February. This bill included a number of tax credits including one for people who have expenses to make their home more accessible. This tax credit was first proposed by Missouri Assistive Technology in 2000and was originally sponsored by Senator Kennedy in SB8.

However, because of the number of tax credits included in the final bill, the cost for the bill is high. For this reason, it is not known yet whether Governor Matt Blunt will sign the bill into law.

Eligible costs for the credit would include: Constructing ramps, widening doorways or hallways, installing grab bars or hand rails, stairway lifts, moving electrical outlets and switches, installing or modifying fire alarms, smoke detectors, and other alert systems, and modifying bathrooms.

Taxpayers who earn up to $30,000 a year would be eligible for a credit for 100% of the costs they incur or $2,500, whichever is less. Taxpayers who earn between $30,000 to $60,000 would be eligible for a credit up to 50% of their costs or $2,500, whichever is less. Total credits statewide would be capped at a maximum of $100,000 per year.

Thanks to all of you who participated in helping support this bill!

Arthritis Prevention, Control and Cure Act of 2005

Recent studies reflect that 46 million Americans have arthritis or chronic joint symptoms. Early diagnosis and treatment is needed more than ever to reduce the long-term impact of the disease. Arthritis costs our country $128 billion annually; $51 billion in direct medical costs. Research has shown that people who start treatment within the first five years of their disease are less likely to experience disability than people who start treatment five years after the start of the disease.

The Arthritis Prevention, Control and Cure Act of 2005 (H.R. 583/S.424) proposes to ensure federal funding is used to support research and public health initiatives. Please help the 66 million Americans living with arthritis by joining the 100 representatives and senators that have co-sponsored the Act, including Senator Kit Bond (R-MO), Edward Kennedy (D-MA) and others (See the entire list of current co-sponsors on www.arthritis.org/advocacy). Please take action today!