SENATE BILL REPORT

                  HJM 4014

              As Reported By Senate Committee On:

            Health & Long-Term Care, March 22, 1999

Brief Description:  Requesting an increase in federal funding for stroke research.

Sponsors:  Representatives Romero, Hankins, Grant, Ruderman and D. Schmidt.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Health & Long‑Term Care:  3/22/99 [DP].

SENATE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH & LONG-TERM CARE

Majority Report:  Do pass.

  Signed by Senators Thibaudeau, Chair; Wojahn, Vice Chair; Costa, Deccio, Franklin and Johnson.

Staff:  Christopher Blake (786-7446)

Background:  Strokes occur when a blood vessel that feeds the brain becomes clogged or bursts, rendering that part of the brain and the body part it controls incapacitated.  Strokes are one of the leading causes of death among Americans.  Strokes are also responsible for the disabilities faced by over one million Americans.  Some feel that more funding is needed for stroke research.

Summary of Bill:  Findings regarding strokes are made.  The President and Congress are requested to provide increased funding for stroke research.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Not requested.

Testimony For:  Strokes are the leading cause of death in America and the numbers are rising.  Effective treatment of strokes could save billions of dollars each year.

Testimony Against:  None.

Testified:  PRO:  Representative Romero, prime sponsor; Andrew Alexander, American Heart Association; Jack Wood, American Heart Association.