ATLANTA (May 5, 2009) – Governor Sonny Perdue today signed into law legislation that was co-sponsored by Sen. Gail Buckner (D-Morrow) to allow income tax contributions for cancer to be used for all types of cancer research. By checking off a box on their Georgia state income tax return, taxpayers can contribute to the Georgia Cancer Research Fund that awards grants to scientists conducting medical research in Georgia.
Sen. Buckner was the sponsor of the 2004 legislation that created the cancer research and prevention effort. “Every dollar that is contributed to cancer research helps find a cure for the nearly 37,000 Georgians who will be diagnosed with cancer this year,” said Buckner. “Because this disease is the second leading cause of death in Georgia, it is imperative that our state offer the best cancer treatment for its citizens.”
A total of $2.5 million has been donated since the check-off program began. Because funds are matched by the receiving institutions, $14 million in cancer research grants have been invested in Georgia.
Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta’s Scottish Rite campus hosted today’s bill signing, where Sen. Buckner and the Governor were joined by representatives of the Georgia Cancer Coalition. By giving more flexibility in the use of funds raised by the tax form check-off option, this will allow research on all types of cancers to be funded. With this bill, Children’s may now pursue plans to compete for grants to conduct pediatric brain cancer research.
During the 2009 legislative session, Sen. Buckner helped lead an effort to bring awareness to the cancer check-off donation. Throughout her 16 years as a Georgia legislator, Sen. Buckner has worked hard to improve the research, prevention and treatment of cancer available in Georgia. She was twice named Legislator of the Year by the Georgia Breast Cancer Coalition and also was named Legislator of the Year by the Georgia Public Health Officials.
The bill was co-sponsored by Sen. Don Balfour (R-Snellville). At the bill’s signing, Gov. Perdue presented Sen. Buckner with the pen that he used to sign the new legislation.
Sen. Gail Buckner represents the 44th Senate District, which includes portions of Clayton and Henry counties. She can be reached by phone at 404.463.5260 or email at gail.buckner@senate.ga.gov.
PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release:
May 5, 2009
For Information Contact:
Raegan Weber, Director
Kallarin Richards, Senior Communications Specialist
kallarin.richards@senate.ga.gov
404.656.0028