GOVERNOR CORBETT PROPOSES ELIMINATION OF EPILEPSY FUNDING IN BUDGET

ACT NOW – EPILEPSY HAS BEEN OVERLOOKED & UNDER FUNDED FOR TOO LONG!

On Tuesday, February 7, Governor Tom Corbett presented his state budget proposal to the General Assembly calling for the elimination of 33 state budget line items.  Included in this is the Department of Health line item for epilepsy support services in Pennsylvania.  The current state budget originally included $390,000 in state funding and $150,000 in federal funds for the epilepsy programs across the state.  In early January, an administrative order reduced the state funding to $370,000.

PLEASE, take the time today to call or email members of the General Assembly, particularly those on the House & Senate Appropriations Committee.  Ask them to maintain the line item for epilepsy services and to continue funding epilepsy programs into the 2012-2013 fiscal year.

Follow this link to find contact information for your legislator.

The appropriation dollars allow both the Epilepsy Foundation Eastern Pennsylvania (EFEPA) and the Epilepsy Foundation Western/Central Pennsylvania the ability to support seven offices across Pennsylvania.  It makes it possible for both Epilepsy Foundations in Pennsylvania to reach out and help families affected by epilepsy.  Without continued funding in a line item specifically for epilepsy services and programs, the Epilepsy Foundations in Pennsylvania will not be able to meet the demands for services.  Let your legislator know that community programs for people who have seizures are important.  Share your story about epilepsy with your legislator and ask for their help in continuing funding for local programs. Click here for a sample letter to send to your legislator.

HELP PROTECT OUR PROGRAMS – CONTACT YOUR LEGISLATOR TODAY!