Date: 02/05/2009

Final
BILL SUMMARY for SB09-126

SENATE COMMITTEE ON FINANCE

Votes: View--> Action Taken:
Refer Senate Bill 09-126 to the Committee of the WPASS



10:17 AM -- Senate Bill 09-126

Senator Newell, prime sponsor, presented Senate Bill 09-126, which extends the voluntary contribution designation benefiting the multiple sclerosis fund that appears on the state's individual income tax forms. Money from the fund, she explained is used to benefit the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. Senator Newell stated that the multiple sclerosis checkoff fund has met the $75,000 threshold required to remain on the state's income tax form. Senator Newell responded to questions from the committee about the multiple sclerosis fund.

The following witnesses testified on the bill:

10:20 AM -- Mr. Michael King, representing the Colorado Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, testified in support of the bill. He explained that 72,000 Colorado citizens are afflicted by this disease and that it is unknown why there is such a high incidence of multiple sclerosis in Colorado. He explained that the disease can cause severe economic hardship for individuals and families. He also presented background information to the committee about multiple sclerosis, stating that the disease disrupts the flow of information to the brain, affecting cognitive functioning and causing physical problems with gait and balance. He said that the National Multiple Sclerosis Society awards research grants at the national level and eight of those grants have been awarded in Colorado. Mr. King responded to questions from the committee about multiple sclerosis research, the impacts of altitude on the disease, and research grants.

10:25 AM -- Ms. Carrie Nolan, representing the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, testified in support of the bill. She explained that the money collected from the tax check-off program is used locally in Colorado, and that other dollars are earmarked for research. She also discussed the impacts of altitude on the disease and the impact of multiple sclerosis on young individuals in Colorado.


10:29 AM

Senator Hudak closed public testimony.
BILL:SB09-126
TIME: 10:30:12 AM
MOVED:Brophy
MOTION:Refer Senate Bill 09-126 to the Committee of the Whole. The motion passed 6-0, with one excused.
SECONDED:
VOTE
Brophy
Yes
Heath
Yes
Isgar
Yes
King K.
Yes
Scheffel
Yes
Hudak
Yes
Sandoval
Excused
Final YES: 6 NO: 0 EXC: 1 ABS: 0 FINAL ACTION: PASS