As I wrote last week, our Wisconsin SCI Research Grant bill got a shot in the arm when Senator Van Wanggaard (R - Racine) signed on as an enthusiastic co-author.
As a senator, and a person with an SCI, Wanggaard’s endorsement could represent a big step forward for our bill. I say “could” because Senator Wanggaard himself can’t introduce our bill. Only the Senate President, Chris Kapenga (R - Delafield), can do that.
We need Senator Kapenga to introduce our bill and refer it to a committee as soon as possible if we want a chance to pass this session. There is only a month left before the current session ends (March 10), so let’s keep the pressure on!
As always, we want everyone - from everywhere (in other states and countries) - to contact Sen. Chris Kapenga. All calls and emails demonstrate that this is a critical issue.
But if you know anyone from Sen. Kapenga’s district (Senate District 33, which includes Delafield, Pewaukee, Waukesha, etc), please forward this message to them. Legislators are most attentive to their constituents, and we need to keep Kapenga’s ear right now. Click here to view a detailed map of Senator Kapenga’s district.
Please contact Senate President Chris Kapenga today, and urge him to introduce our bill in the Senate and refer it to a committee.
- Phone: (608) 266-9174
- Email: Sen.Kapenga@legis.wisconsin.gov
- Social Media: Facebook & Twitter
You can say something like this:
Hi Senator Kapenga,
My name is ____ ______, and I [have a spinal cord injury / am family/friend of someone with a spinal cord injury]. We are counting on you, Sen. Kapenga, to introduce our Spinal Cord Injury Research Grant bill ( in the Senate and refer it to committee 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 working. I personally love getting so many of your messages letting me know that you’ve contacted these representatives - it is encouraging to me and all our Wisconsin CAN Advocates!
Don’t let up, keep calling and writing - no matter where you live. Your voice is increasing our chances for this transformative SCI bill to pass!
