January 26, 2009 

As reported in Endocrine Insider, the House plans to vote on the Democratic economic stimulus package as early as this Wednesday, January 28th.  If the package passes in its current form, the NIH will receive $1.5 billion for grants, $500 million for intramural construction, and $1.5 billion for extramural facilities renovation.  NSF will also receive $3 billion and DOE will receive $1.9 billion.  The NIH will be required to spend one half of the $1.5 billion allocated for grants by September 30, 2009 and the remaining half by September 30, 2010.

Most members of Congress are aware of the positive impact that biomedical research has on the health of the American people, but few may be aware of the substantial contribution that research makes to the economy.  In fiscal year 2007, every $1 million that the public invested in NIH generated $2.21 million in new business activity across the nation.  Investment in biomedical research immediately creates new jobs and prevents job losses for researchers, technicians, and thousands of others who provide equipment, supplies, and services to laboratories. 

Please contact your member of Congress today to let them know that funding NIH research can have an immediate impact on the nation's economy.  A sample letter has been created for you; you may customize it if you wish. Please enter your contact information through the link below and your message will automatically be sent to your legislators. Let them know of the need to increase research funding levels in order to stimulate the economy.

http://capwiz.com/endocrine/home/