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SfN Advocacy Supports Visionary Science Funding in U.S. Stimulus Bill
U.S. President Barack Obama signed the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act on February 17. The bill provided $10.4 billion in additional funds for the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and $3 billion for the National Science Foundation (NSF). Neuroscience Quarterly looks back at an unprecedented science-wide advocacy effort that supported the bill, and previews continued advocacy in the months ahead.
A blackberry message interrupted the SfN Government and Public Affairs (GPA) Committee 2008 fall meeting. A participant read aloud the news that the Economic Recovery Act of 2008 had been introduced in the U.S. Senate, in a surprising but welcome twist, it included $1 billion for the NIH. While that particular bill would not become law, it coincided perfectly with the GPA Committee’s discussion that day about ensuring its advocacy articulated the substantial economic benefit to nations and communities, something particularly important amid a crumbling market.
With additional guidance over the ensuing months from Council, GPA Committee members, and other key neuroscience leaders, the discussion begun that day enabled SfN to be early, swift, and aggressive in advocating for bold and visionary funding for science.
MAKING THE CASE: LOUD AND CLEAR
This new GPA emphasis required new tools, and the committee tasked SfN staff with developing brief documents to explain the economic benefits of biomedical research. The resulting fact sheet arms science advocates with data about job creation, state economic impact, and potential reductions in economic burden of disease.
In early January, with an evident growing economic crisis, Congressional leaders and the President-Elect began drafting an historic economic recovery plan, focused on investing in projects and programs that would jumpstart America’s economy, while also establishing a strong foundation to sustain it. To meet these goals, Congress introduced H.R. 1 — The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.
Continued...
FY2010 ADVOCACY: SUSTAINING SCIENTIFIC MOMENTUM
Having thanked the President and congressional leaders for their tremendous support for research in the economic recovery bill, SfN and the scientific community are working to ensure that the nation seizes the scientific momentum created by this investment to improve health care and build a science-driven economy.
SfN is joining its advocacy partner Research!America in calling for an increase of at least 10 percent for NIH in FY2010, forming a foundation to improve health and create a stronger, science-driven U.S. economy. This recommendation, which seeks to reach $40 billion for the agency as soon as possible, will help ensure America seizes and builds on the scientific momentum that will emerge from the recovery bill. SfN also is recommending $7 billion for the National Science Foundation in FY2010, a 7.9 percent increase above last year.
SfN needs the full participation of its members to carry this message to U.S. lawmakers. In addition to the Capitol Hill Day on April 22, SfN will alert members to many opportunities this summer to reach out to senators and representatives. To stay updated on what’s happening in Washington and become more involved, join the SfN Advocacy Network at www.sfn.org/advocacynetwork.
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