WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congresswoman Lois Capps was recently honored by the National Multiple Sclerosis Society as its 2006 Representative of the Year.  The award was presented during the Society’s annual gathering of MS activists in Washington, DC. This is the highest honor the Society awards to public officials. 

The Northern California, Southern California, and Pacific South Coast chapters of the Society nominated Congresswoman Capps for the award, applauding her recent efforts that have helped benefit people in California and nationwide who live with multiple sclerosis (MS). Among all members of the U.S. House of Representatives, Capps was selected as the member whose leadership and dedication to healthcare issues most significantly impacted the lives of people with MS.

“I am honored to be recognized by the National Multiple Sclerosis Society with this award,” said Capps.  “The National Multiple Sclerosis Society and I share many common priorities, including a strong belief that the federal government must do more to support stem cell research and long-term care initiatives.  Together, we have taken several important steps to improve the lives of Americans who are living with Multiple Sclerosis.  Despite these promising achievements I know that there is far more to be done, and I look forward to working with my friends in the National Multiple Sclerosis Society and in the California chapters of the Society to continue to help those with Multiple Sclerosis and their families.”

Representative Capps is being recognized for many accomplishments, including:

·          Ardently supporting the Lifespan Respite Care Act, Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act, increased funding for the National Institutes of Health for MS research, and protecting Medicaid from funding cuts.

·          Cosponsoring the Small Business Health Plans Act, establishing a small employer health benefits program.

·          Facilitating the re-launch of the City of Santa Barbara’s ADA Committee.

For more information on the California chapters of the Society and California programs that benefit people living with MS, visit:  www.nationalmssociety.org/mycommunity

For more information on the Representative’s initiatives, visit:  www.house.gov/capps/

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Pictured above: (center) Congresswoman Capps meets with Central Coast firefighters to discuss emergency preparedness.