National Multiple Sclerosis Society resolution, February 10, 2005

Resolution honoring Robert Ehrlich Jr., Governor of the State of Maryland, as the National Multiple Sclerosis Society’s 2004 Governor of the Year WHEREAS, Governor Ehrlich has publicly made disability issues a primary platform of his administration; and WHEREAS, Governor Ehrlich established a cabinet level department addressing the needs of Maryland citizens with disabilities and chronic illness; and WHEREAS, Governor Ehrlich has proposed funding increases to several Medicaid community-based waiver programs responsible for providing long-term care support outside of nursing facilities that can assist people with MS; and WHEREAS, Governor Ehrlich supported legislation and funded the Medicaid buy-in program allowing more people with disabilities and chronic conditions, like MS, who return to work the ability to obtain needed medical coverage; and WHEREAS, Governor Ehrlich has proposed a $371 million increase in State funding for the Maryland Medicaid program, as well as an additional $106 million in increases in the area of disability supports and services throughout various state agencies; and WHEREAS, Governor Ehrlich has shown great interest in improving services for those with disabilities, especially during a time of limited fiscal resources; and WHEREAS, Governor Ehrlich has done an exemplary job in addressing the needs of individuals with disabilities and chronic illness such as MS, and demonstrated tireless support and continued advocacy to assist the Maryland Chapter. THEREFORE, IT IS RESOLVED, that ffie Board of Directors of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society unanimously names Governor Robert Ehrlich, Jr. our 2004 National MS Society Governor of the Year.