Arthritis Foundation Western Pennsylvania advocates for funding in Harrisburg

June 25, 2009

Arthritis Foundation Western Pennsylvania advocates for funding in Harrisburg

PITTSBURGH, June 25, 2009 – Arthritis Foundation Western Pennsylvania Chapter Executive Director David Martin and Lori Knapp, new Director of Community Development of Westmoreland County, recently traveled to the Harrisburg to advocate for arthritis-related state funding.

Currently, arthritis program funding is not included in the proposed Pennsylvania budget; although, the General Assembly is reviewing all of the line items of the Budget, which includes arthritis program funding. Arthritis Foundation representative traveled to the state capitol to remind Western Pennsylvania’s political leaders how vital state funding is to the Arthritis Foundation. This critical funding allows the Arthritis Foundation to implement needed arthritis programs and services in communities across Western Pennsylvania. As the prevalence of arthritis grows, the reach of helpful arthritis programs needs to expand as well, ensuring that individuals get the education they need to best manage the pain of arthritis.

Senator Jay Costa                               Senator Kim Ward        

 Representative Deberah Kula

During their time at the state capitol, Martin and Knapp were able to meet with a number of political figures:

The Arthritis Foundation Western Pennsylvania Chapter would like to invite all citizens affect by arthritis to write these Senators and Representatives to thank them for keeping arthritis funding in mind.

To identify your local legislator/senator – Go to www.legis.state.pa.us, the legislature’s homepage.  In the far upper corner, you may search by either your zip code or by your county of residence.