HOUSE BILL REPORT

                 HJM 4014

                    As Passed Legislature

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 Care:  3/2/99 [DP].

Floor Activity:

Passed House:  3/10/99, 97-0.

Passed Senate:  4/7/99, 47-0.

Passed Legislature.

                 Brief Summary of Bill

$Recognizes that strokes are the leading cause of death and disability in the United States and outlines those who are most vulnerable to strokes.

$Asks that awareness of stroke risk and symptoms be heightened among all Americans so that we will be alert to this risk.

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH CARE

Majority Report:  Do pass.  Signed by 11 members:  Representatives Cody, Democratic Co-Chair; Parlette, Republican Co-Chair; Pflug, Republican Vice Chair; Alexander; Boldt; Campbell; Conway; Edmonds; Edwards; Mulliken and Ruderman.

Staff:  Antonio Sanchez (786-7383).

Background:

The American Heart Association estimates that in this year alone in the United States approximately 600,000 strokes will occur, and that approximately 200,000 deaths will ensue as a result of these strokes. The incidence of stroke in young people is increasing in the United States and African-Americans have the highest incidence of stroke of any segment of the population in the United States.

Summary of Bill:

The memorial recognizes that strokes are the leading cause of death and disability in the United States and outlines those who are most vulnerable to strokes.  It asks that awareness of stroke risk and symptoms be heightened among all Americans so that we will be alert to this risk.  The need for more funding is highlighted.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Not requested.

Testimony For:  This memorial will serve to highlight the need to recognize that more research and public awareness can bring us closer to a cure for strokes and related illnesses.

Testimony Against:  None.

Testified:  Representative Romero, prime sponsor; Frank Jose and Jack Wood, American Heart Association; and Kari Frank, self.