Finding a cure for ALS and helping victims of sex trafficking
By: Senator Mike Goggin
More than 5,000 people are diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) every year. Over 90% of them will have no family history of the disease, and the average lifespan is only 2 to 5 years.
ALS is a devastating, terrible disease. Recently we passed legislation that will help people care for their loved ones with ALS, and hopefully, help us find a cure.
Senate File. 3372 provides $20 million to the Office of Higher Education to award competitive grants to conduct research into the prevention, treatment, causes, and cures of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. It also includes $5 million for ALS caregivers.
Like many of you, it has directly impacted my family. I have a cousin who has been battling ALS for 7 years. Few people know the difficulties that come with caring for loved ones with this diagnosis, so I’m pleased to see caregivers are supported in this bill. This funding is going to make a big difference in a lot of lives.
ALS is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord and there is no known cure. It ultimately robs people of their ability to walk, talk, and eventually breathe. At any given time roughly 450 Minnesotans are living with the disease.
There are six clinics in Minnesota that are currently working on ALS research: Essentia Health (Duluth), HealthPartners (St. Paul), Hennepin Healthcare (Minneapolis), Mayo Clinic (Rochester), the University of Minnesota (Minneapolis), and the VA Medical Center (Minneapolis).
Protecting victims of sex trafficking
The Senate also recently unanimously passed a bill that will protect victims of sex trafficking.
The legislation establishes juvenile court guardianship for at-risk youth in Minnesota. The legislation ensures that at-risk juveniles, many of whom have been victims of trafficking, have access to guidance, financial assistance, emotional support, and other resources.
It’s difficult to comprehend the terror these kids have experienced. We must do everything we can to make sure they get the care and treatment they need to process their trauma and live happy, successful lives.
The bill aligns federal law and Minnesota law for certain at-risk juveniles that have been victims of abuse, neglect, abandonment, or who have been brought into this country against their will for purposes of sex and/or labor trafficking.
When dealing with these cases, federal law recognizes those 21 and under as juveniles, whereas Minnesota has previously only recognized those 18 and under. This assures that any at-risk youth, that would otherwise qualify for protection, are not left out due to a technicality in state law.
Contact me
If you ever have any questions or feedback, or if you would like to set up an opportunity to meet, contact me any time at 651-296-5612 or sen.mike.goggin@senate.mn. It is a privilege to serve you!
Sincerely,