GROUP PRESENTS STEARNS WITH ITS "MOTHER'S CHOICE" AWARD

Washington, May 4, 2005 - The Allergy & Asthma Network Mothers of Asthmatics last night presented Rep. Cliff Stearns (R-Ocala) with its "Mother's Choice" Award for his outstanding efforts in promoting awareness of asthma and promoting the causes of asthma sufferers.  The Award states, "For your leadership on the Asthmatic Schoolchildren's Treatment and Health Management Act."  Said Stearns, "I am deeply honored to receive this recognition from this distinguished group of advocates for asthmatics.  I look forward to continuing to work with you on behalf of the 20 million Americans who have asthma."

Stearns offered H.R. 2023, the Asthmatic Schoolchildren's Treatment and Health Management Act (ASTHMA), in 2003.  Stearns' legislation was approved by the House and Senate, and then signed into law by President Bush in 2004.  Many students attend schools in states that prohibit them from carrying their prescribed asthma medication.  This law encourages states to pass 'right-to-carry' legislation.  It contains no mandates or costs, and merely directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to give preference to a state's 'right-to-carry' status when awarding its grants for asthma-related programs.  When Stearns offered the bill, only 20 states had laws protection students with asthma; today, 41 states protect students with asthma.