State senator’s diagnosis spurs funding for ALS research and support

A bipartisan effort to provide hope and help for people living with a debilitating neurological disorder has resulted in a combined $25 million to fund ALS research and caregiver support programs.

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, commonly called Lou Gehrig's disease, is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, causing loss of muscle control needed to move, speak, eat and breathe. It has no cure.

Sen. David Tomassoni (I-Chisholm), who sponsors the law with Rep. Dave Lislegard (DFL-Aurora), was diagnosed last year with ALS.

The law, which takes effect July 1, 2022, will appropriate $20 million in fiscal year 2023 to promote research related to prevention, treatment, causes, and hopefully an eventual cure. The Office of Higher Education will award competitive grants to applicants.

It also appropriates $5 million in fiscal year 2023 to the Board on Aging, to support families caring for people living with ALS and to provide home medical respite care.

The onetime appropriation for both purposes is available through June 30, 2026.

HF3603/SF3372*/CH42

SF3372* / HF3603 / CH42