I urge you to sign the Senate letter requesting $35 billion for the National
Institutes of Health (NIH) in FY2011. Aggressive investment in NIH can help
seize the scientific opportunity that will make the United States and the world
healthier and strengthen the innovation economy.

Historically, a commitment to science funding made the United States a leader
in scientific and medical discovery and improved health and quality of life for
millions of people.  Much of what has been accomplished to improve the
diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of neurological and mental illnesses can
be attributed, directly or indirectly, to research funded by NIH.

My brother and my niece both are autistic, and the rate of progress in
understanding autism at molecular genetic and physiological levels has
accelerated exponentially during the past several years, due in large part to
funds from NIH.  Even in purely financial terms, understanding autism and
preventing severe cases of autism will generate a huge return on investment in
terms of savings on special education and lifelong services.

To sign onto the letter, contact Sara Mabry in Senator Casey's office at
202-224-6324 or sara_mabry@casey.senate.gov by close of business on Thursday 3
June.  Many thanks for your consideration.