National MS Society GRC member Donna Gosbee (left) and GRC Co-Chair Teresa Wynne presented Texas Sen. Robert Deuell with a Legislative Champion award for his work during the 2011 Texas Legislative session. Caucus were invited to consider doing so. The Federal Public Policy Conference marked the first time activists from the five South Central states – Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas – were able to connect in person. Activists had another chance to connect with their delegates on home turf when Congress began a month-long recess in August; during that time, they often schedule meetings with constituents in their district offices to hear about concerns and priorities. At the state level, MS activists continued to look for opportunities to engage with Texas officials. Texas Government Relations Committee (GRC) members have had the pleasant task of presenting three Texas legislators with awards in honor of their work during the last session. The GRC is a group of committed MS activists who are leaders in the advocacy movement. Recipients included Rep. John Smithee (District 86, R-Amarillo), Sen. Robert Duncan (District 28, R-Lubbock) and Sen. Robert
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Deuell (District 2, R-Greenville). Texas GRC members Teresa Wynne and Donna Gosbee visited Sen. Deuell in Greenville to present him with his award. He was honored for his sponsorship of a bill that prohibits discretionary clauses in insurance contracts, clauses that enable an insurance company to deny benefits at its discretion, regardless of the other terms of the contract. This bill was passed in 2011 and is now law in Texas. Donna said they discussed subjects related to the challenges of people with MS, including employment issues and Medicaid. Donna and Teresa also shared their personal stories of living with MS, and learned that Sen. Deuell’s wife has MS. Sen. Deuell, who is a family physician in Greenville, also discussed the challenges of reimbursement from the physician’s perspective. Donna said, “It was a great meeting and he truly is a champion for people with MS. He cares a great deal and that comes across as you talk to him.” The award presented to Rep. Smithee, Chairman