The general assembly hereby finds and declares that the quality of life for individuals with multiple sclerosis, and their families, is of fundamental importance to the citizens of the state. The general assembly further declares that the state has one of the highest prevalence rates for multiple sclerosis in the United States: One in five hundred and eighty citizens, of which seventy-three percent are women. The general assembly recognizes that there are many costs associated with the care of individuals with multiple sclerosis because it is a disease that starts in young adulthood and usually becomes progressively disabling, thereby significantly impacting people's lives for many years. The general assembly further declares that the Colorado chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society was founded in 1959 and provides programs and services across the state for people with multiple sclerosis, their families, and friends. The general assembly recognizes that the National Multiple Sclerosis Society funds research in Colorado toward finding the cause of and cure for multiple sclerosis. The general assembly further recognizes that the Colorado chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society has regional offices in the Denver metro area, Fort Collins,
Grand Junction, and Colorado Springs. The general assembly further recognizes that many Colorado citizens would be willing to provide funds for multiple sclerosis programs if given the opportunity. It is therefore the intent of the general assembly in enacting this part 32 to provide those committed and concerned Colorado citizens the opportunity to financially foster the growth and success of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society by allowing citizens to make voluntary contributions on their state income tax returns for such purpose.
Source: L. 2006: Entire part added, p. 828, § 1, effective August 7.