Since our SCI Research Grant Bill (Assembly Bill 873) was finally introduced last week in Wisconsin, things have been moving fast. We’re seeing more enthusiasm and signs of progress thanks to your calls and emails to key legislators.

Yesterday, we received confirmation of two more co-authors who have joined our bill - Representatives David Murphy & John Spiros. 

Rep. David Murphy’s support is very encouraging, as he is Chair of the Committee on Colleges and Universities, where our bill is currently assigned and awaiting a hearing. And Rep. Spiros was inspired to become a co-author after meeting with one of his constituents who has an SCI. His support is a testament to the power of our SCI Community’s voice.

Please keep the pressure on so that our bill stays at the top of these legislators priorities. We need everyone, from everywhere, to contact Reps. David Murphy & John Spiros. Ask Rep. Murphy to give our bill a hearing in the Committee on Colleges and Universities, and then thank them both for co-authoring our Bill. Let them know how important this is to you personally, and what it means to the thousands of SCI community members in Wisconsin and across the country.  

Rep. David Murphy (R - Greenville)
(608) 266-7500
Rep.Murphy@legis.wisconsin.gov

Rep. John Spiros (R - Marshfield)
(608) 266-1182
Rep.Spiros@legis.wisconsin.gov

You can say something like this:

Hi, my name is ____  ______, and I [have a spinal cord injury / am family/friend of someone with a spinal cord injury]. Thank you for becoming a co-sponsor for our Wisconsin SCI Research Grant Bill (AB 873). We are counting on you to help get our bill a hearing as soon as possible. This is a smart, efficient bill that would:

• Keep the funds in Wisconsin
• Allow SCI Community members like me to help decide what research gets funded
• Cap indirect costs at 8% (ie no bloated admin costs)

This model of funding has worked well in Minnesota, Pennsylvania, Ohio and Washington state by getting research out of the lab and into people. We desperately need this bill passed during this session. Our community can’t wait - we need functional recovery now! Let’s start helping the spinal cord injury community in Wisconsin by passing this bill ASAP. Thank you!”

Your calls and emails are helping keep our Bill on the fast track - if this keeps up we have a chance to possibly get it passed this session (by March 10th!). Please contact these key legislators today!