March 3, 2010

Delaware Governor Jack Markell Honored as National Multiple Sclerosis Society’s Governor of the Year

Award Recognizes Support of MS Programs and Services, Disability Rights

WASHINGTON, DC – Delaware Governor Jack Markell today was awarded the National Multiple Sclerosis Society’s 2009 Governor of the Year. Grassroots MS activists from Delaware presented the award at a breakfast in Washington, DC.  
 
The Delaware Chapter of the National MS Society applauded Governor Markell’s recent efforts that helped benefit the more than 1,500 people living with multiple sclerosis in Delaware and their families. Among all states, Governor Markell was selected as the governor whose leadership and dedication to issues most significantly impacted the lives of people with MS.  This is the highest honor the Society awards to public officials.  
 
“I’m humbled by this award and by the work of the National MS Society,” said Markell.  “Their advocacy and support efforts are critically important for those affected by MS, as well as other chronic diseases.   I’m glad that I could play a small role, and I challenge my fellow members of the National Governor’s Association to beat me on their bikes.”
 
A long-time cyclist in Bike MS: Bike to the Bay, Governor Markell has ridden 150 miles with his family to support the MS movement. In his short time as Governor of Delaware, he has made a significant impact on Delawareans living with MS and other chronic diseases. Since his election in 2008, he has been moving forward on his comprehensive “Plan for Improving the Lives of Delawareans with Disabilities.”   In addition, he signed legislation to enact a check-off on the Delaware income tax return that allows taxpayers to designate contributions supporting MS programs and services at the Delaware Chapter of the National MS Society.
 
“Governor Jack Markell is moving us closer to a world free of MS in many ways. He is fundraising for MS, cycling for MS, signing MS-specific legislation, and advancing issues that really impact people living with MS and other conditions,” National MS Society President and CEO Joyce Nelson said. “We are proud to have Governor Markell as our Governor of the Year for his commitment to our cause.”
 
Governor Markell is quickly becoming recognized among governors as an impressive and bold leader. His administration is implementing the Medicaid for Workers with Disabilities (MWD)  program that will enable people with disabilities to go back to work or work more hours, and maintain their Medicaid coverage. He supports the Commission on Community-Based Alternatives for Individuals with Disabilities, and he is committed to the Money Follows the Person program.  
 
For more information on the Society and MS issues visit: http://www.nationalmssociety.org/advocacy . For more information on the Delaware Chapter and local programs that benefit people affected by MS, visit: http://www.nationalmssociety.org/chapter .