Governor Walz Signs Bill Investing in ALS Research, Caregiver Support

Press Release

Today, Governor Tim Walz joined Senator David Tomassoni and family, a bipartisan group of legislators, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) research advocates to sign into law $25 million for ALS research and caregiver support programs.

"Today our state is making real progress in the fight against ALS," said Governor Walz. "I'm proud to join Senator David Tomassoni, a bipartisan group of legislators, and advocates who have worked tirelessly to pass this bill for Minnesotans living with ALS and their caregivers. By investing in ALS research and caregiver support, we are moving together toward finding a cure for this disease and better caring for Minnesotans living with ALS and their families."

Chapter 42, SF 3372 invests $20 million to award grants to conduct research into the prevention, treatment, causes, and cures of ALS. The bill also invests $5 million for caregiver support programs for families of people with ALS, including services, information, education, and training to caregivers and volunteers caring for, managing, and coping with care.

Also known as Lou Gehrig's disease, ALS is a neurodegenerative disease that results in progressive loss of motor control of voluntary muscles affecting approximately 30,000 Americans, with about 5,000 new cases diagnosed every year. At any one time, there are an average of 450 Minnesotans living with ALS. The disease is 100 percent fatal and there is no known cure.

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