Return to the Missouri House of RepresentativesWhereas, macular degeneration is an eye disease that occurs when there are changes to the macula, which is small portion of the retina that is located on the inside back layer of the eye, and results in a reduction of central vision and makes seeing details for close work, such as reading, difficult or impossible; and
Whereas, macular degeneration is the leading cause of blindness among older Americans, affecting ten million people today. The National Eye Institute estimates that the number could rise to eighteen million people by 2030; and
Whereas, there are two types of age-related macular degeneration. The wet form of macular degeneration, which involves only about ten percent of cases, responds to laser treatments in its early stages. The more common dry form is considered untreatable, although some recent research indicates that certain antioxidant vitamins and minerals may help prevent or slow its progression; and
Whereas, the exact cause of macular degeneration is unknown, but it may be related to aging, high blood pressure, smoking, and exposure to high levels of ultraviolet radiation and blue light, both found in sunlight; and
Whereas, ongoing research and studies have resulted in some encouraging early findings, such as the possible reversal of macular degeneration in its early stages; and
Whereas, the state of Missouri, through research, programs and funding, could facilitate the discovery and implementation of promising new treatments, technologies and programs for assistance for the benefit of those persons in the state who are afflicted with this disease:
Now, therefore, be it resolved by the members of the Missouri House of Representatives of the Ninetieth General Assembly, Second Regular Session, the Senate concurring therein, that a Joint Interim Committee of the General Assembly be created to be composed of five members of the House of Representatives, to be appointed by the Speaker of the House, with no more than three such members from the same political party, and five members of the Senate, appointed by the President Pro Tem of the Senate, with no more than three such members from the same political party, and that said committee be authorized to function during the interim between the Ninetieth and Ninety-first General Assemblies; and
Be it further resolved that said committee make a comprehensive study on macular degeneration, including the solicitation of information from appropriate state agencies and the public on the social, economic, educational and health implications of macular degeneration;
Be it further resolved that the committee be authorized to hold hearings as it deems advisable, and that the staffs of House Research, Senate Research and the Committee on Legislative Research provide such legal, research, clerical, technical and bill drafting services requested by the committee; and
Be it further resolved that the committee, its members, and any staff personnel assigned to the committee shall receive reimbursement for their actual and necessary expenses incurred in attending meetings of the committee or any subcommittee thereof; and
Be it further resolved that the committee report its recommendations and findings to the Missouri General Assembly by January 1, 2001, and the authority of such committee shall terminate on December 31, 2000; and
Be it further resolved that the Chief Clerk of the of the Missouri House of Representatives be instructed to prepare properly inscribed copies of this resolution for the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President Pro Tem of the Senate.
Offered by Representative Harry KennedyReturn to the Missouri House of Representatives