1999 PROCLAMATIONS FROM VARIOUS GOVERNMENTS AND PUBLIC OFFICIALS REGARDING MCS

and those living with its effects

1998 PROCLAMATIONS 
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Connecticut 1999

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Kentucky

Proclamation
By
Paul E. Patton
Governor
Of The
Commonwealth of Kentucky

To All To Whom These Presents Shall Come:

WHEREAS, People of all ages in Washington have developed a condition known as Multiple Chemical Sensitivity as a result of a single massive exposure of repeated low level exposures to toxic chemicals and other irritants in the environment; and

WHEREAS, MCS is a chronic Condition for which there is no known cure and which symptoms include chronic fatigue, muscle and joint pains, asthma, short term memory loss, headaches and other respiratory and neurological problems; and

WHEREAS, MCS can cause major financial, employment, housing, health and social consequences for people who have this disability; and

WHEREAS, The health of the general population is at risk from chemical exposures that can lead to illnesses that may be preventable through reduction or avoidance of chemicals in the air, water and food in both indoor and outdoor environments; and

WHEREAS, MCS is recognized by the Americans with Disabilities Act, Social Security Administration, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Environmental Protection agency, as well as other state and national government agencies and commissions which have supported the health and welfare of the chemically injured; and

WHEREAS, Reasonable Accommodations, information about and recognition of MCS can provide opportunities for people with disabilities to enjoy access to work, schooling, public facilities and other settings where they can continue to contribute their skills, ideals, creativity, abilities and knowledge; and

WHEREAS, People with MCS need the support and understanding of family, friends co-workers and society as they struggle with their illness and adapt to new life styles;

Now, Therefore, I, Paul E. Patton, Governor of the Commonwealth of Kentucky, do hereby proclaim the week of May 12, 1999 as MULTIMLE CHEMICAAL SENSITIVITY AWARENESS WEEK in Kentucky. 

Done At The Capitol, in the City of Frankfort, this the 13th day of April, in the year of Our Lord One Thousand Nine Hundred Ninety-nine and the 207th year of the Commonwealth.

Paul E Patton 
Governor

John Y. Brown III
Secretary of State
 


 
Massachussets

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts
A Proclamation
by His Excellency
Governor Argeo Paul Cellucci
1999

Whereas:  Multiple Chemical Sensitivity is a condition caused by exposure to
toxic chemicals, and other irritants in the environment, which causes
afflicted individuals to suffer such symptoms as chronic fatigue, muscle and
joint pains, rashes, asthma, short-term memory loss, headaches, and other
respiratory and neurological problems; and

Whereas:  With no known cure, Multiple Chemical Sensitivity can cause major
financial, employment, housing, health, and social consequences for
individuals and their families; and

Whereas:  Multiple Chemical Sensitivity is recognized by the Americans with
Disabilities Act, the Social Security Administration, the United States
Department of Housing and Urban Development, the Environmental Protection
Agency, and other state and national government agencies and commissions; and

Whereas:  With the necessary support, understanding, accommodations, and
information, individuals with Multiple Chemical Sensitivity can enjoy access
to work, schooling, public facilities, and other surroundings where they can
continue to contribute their skills, knowledge, and creativity; and

Whereas:  The week of May 10th through May 16th is being observed as
Multiple Chemical Sensitivity Awareness Week to raise public awareness to
this debilitating disorder;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, ARGEO PAUL CELLUCCI, Governor of the Commonwealth of
Massachusetts, do hereby proclaim the week of May 10th through May 16th,
1999, to be

MULTIPLE CHEMICAL SENSITIVITY AWARENESS WEEK

and urge all the citizens of the Commonwealth to take cognizance of this
event and participate fittingly in its observance.

Given at the Executive Chamber in Boston, this sixth day of May, in the year
of our Lord one thousand nine hundred and ninety-nine, and of the
Independence of the United States of America, the two hundred and
twenty-third.

By His Excellency the Governor ARGEO PAUL CELLUCCI

WILLIAM F. GALVIN
Secretary of the Commonwealth

GOD SAVE THE COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS
 

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North Carolina 1999

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1998 Proclamations


Connecticut

Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS) Awareness Week
May 11-17,1998

Official Statement

WHEREAS, People of all ages in Connecticut and the world have developed a condition known as Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS) as a result of a single massive exposure or repeated low levels exposures to toxic chemicals and other irritants in the environment; and

WHEREAS, the symptoms of MCS are not limited to chronic fatigue, muscle and joint pains, rashes, asthma, short term memory loss, headaches and other respiratory and neurological problems; and

WHEREAS, MCS is a chronic condition for which there is no known cure, and

WHEREAS, MCS can cause major personal financial, employment, housing, health, and social consequences for people who have this disability; and

WHEREAS, MCS is recognized by the Americans with Disabilities Act, Social Security Administration, U.S. HUD, Environmental Protection Agency and other state and national government agencies and commissions which have supported the health and welfare of the chemically injured; and

WHEREAS, reasonable accommodations, information about and recognition of MCS can provide opportunities for people with this disability to enjoy access to work, schooling, public facilities, and other settings where they can continue to contribute their skills, ideas, creativity, abilities and knowledge; and

WHEREAS, people with MCS need the support and understanding of family, friends, co-workers and society as they struggle with their illness and adapt to new lifestyles; and

WHEREAS, the health of the general population is at risk from chemical exposures that can lead to illnesses that may be preventable through reduction or avoidance of chemicals in the air, water, and food in both the indoor and outdoor environments,

THEREFORE, in support of increased understanding, education and research that will aid in identifying causes, diagnosis, treatment and the prevention of MCS,

I, John G. Rowland, Governor of State of Connecticut, do hereby officially designate May 11 - May 17, 1998 as Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS) Awareness Week in the State of Connecticut.

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Missouri

Office of the Governor
State of Missouri
Proclamation

Whereas, Multiple Chemical Sensitivity ( MCS ) is a chronic condition for which there is no known cure; and

Whereas, MCS can result from a single massive episode of exposure or repeated low-level exposure to toxic chemicals and environmental irritants; and

Whereas, MCS symptoms include chronic fatigue, muscle and joint pain, rashes, asthma, short term memory loss, headaches, and other respiratory and neurological problems; and

Whereas, MCS is recognized by the Americans with Disability Act, the Social Security Administration, U.S. Housing and Urban Development, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and other governmental agencies and commissions; and

Whereas, because MCS can cause major personal financial, employment, housing, health, and social consequences, people living with MCS need support and understanding as they seek new lifestyles that accommodate the limitations caused by their affliction:

NOW , THEREFORE, I, MEL CARNAHAN,
GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF MISSOURI,
do hereby proclaim May 11 -17, 1998, to be

MULTIPLE CHEMICAL SENSITIVITY WEEK

IN Missouri and urge the citizens of the state to support efforts to find a cure for this disability.

In testimony whereof,

I have hereunto set my hand and caused to be affixed the Great Seal of the State of Missouri, in the City of Jefferson, this 11th day of May, 1998.

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New Mexico

"Healthier World For All"
Multiple Chemical Sensitivities (MCS) Awareness Week
New Mexico, May 11 - 17, 1998

STATE OF NEW MEXICO
EXECUTIVE OFFICE
SANTA FE, NEW MEXICO

Whereas, people of all ages have developed a condition known as multiple chemical sensitivity as a result of single massive exposure or repeated low levels of toxic chemicals and other irritants in the environment; and

Whereas, the symptoms of multiple chemical sensitivity are not limited to chronic fatigue, muscle and joints pains, rashes, asthma, short term memory loss, headaches and other respiratory and neurological problems; and

Whereas, multiple chemical sensitivity is a chronic condition for which there is no cure and can have consequences such as causing problems with personal finances, employment, housing, health and other social consequences for those afflicted with this condition; and

Whereas, people with multiple chemical sensitivity need the support and understanding of family, friends, co-workers and other members of society as they struggle with this illness and adapt to new lifestyles;

Now, therefore I, Gary E. Johnson, 
Governor of the State of New Mexico, 
do hereby proclaim the 11 th through the 17th of may, 1998 as "Multiple Chemical Sensitivity Awareness Week" throughout the State of New Mexico.

Attest:
Done at the Executive Office this
5th day of May, 1998.
Secretary of State, witness my hand
and the Great Seal of the State of New Mexico.

Gary E. Johnson, Governor

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North Carolina

MULTIPLE CHEMICAL SENSITIVITIES AWARENESS WEEK 1998
BY THE GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA;

A PROCLAMATION

WHEREAS, people of all ages have developed a condition known as Multiple Chemical Sensitivity as a result of single massive exposure or repeated low levels of toxic chemicals and other irritants in the environment; and

WHEREAS, the symptoms of Multiple Chemical Sensitivity are not limited to chronic fatigue, muscle and joints pain, rashes, asthma,short term memory loss, headaches, and other respiratory and neurological problems; and

WHEREAS, Multiple Chemical Sensitivity is a chronic condition for which there is no cure and can have consequences such as causing problems with personal finances, employment, housing, health and other social consequences for those afflicted with this condition; and

WHEREAS, individuals with Multiple Chemical Sensitivity need the support and understanding of family, friends, co-workers and other members of society as they struggle with this illness and adapt to new lifestyles;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, JAMES B. HUNT JR.,
Governor of the State of North Carolina,
do hereby proclaim May 11 -1 7,1998,

as "MULTIPLE CHEMICAL SENSITIVITIES AWARENESS WEEK" in North Carolina, and commend this observance to all our citizens.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Great Seal of the Sate of North Carolina in the capitol in Raleigh this eighteenth day of May in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and ninety-eight, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and twenty-first.

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US Congressman Bernie Sanders
(Independent, VT)

on Multiple Chemical Sensitivity

The Congressman read the following remarks regarding Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS) into the Congressional Record on October 9, 1998.

Mr. Speaker,

I rise today to discuss the issue of Multiple Chemical Sensitivity as it relates to both our civilian population and our Gulf War veterans.

Multiple Chemical Sensitivity or MCS is a chronic condition marked by heightened sensitivity to multiple different chemicals and other irritants at or below previously tolerated levels of exposure. Sensitivity to odors is often accompanied by food and drug intolerance, sensitivity to sunlight and other sensory abnormalities, such as hypersensitivity to touch, heat and/or cold, and loud noises. MCS is often accompanied by impaired balance, memory and concentration.

As a member of the Human Resources Subcommittee, which has oversight jurisdiction for the Veterans Affairs, I have been involved in the issue of Gulf War illness and Multiple Chemical Sensitivity. I have been concerned for many years about the role that chemicals may be playing on human health, not only in Gulf War veterans and their families, but in civilian society as well. I have talked to many people who are suffering symptoms not dissimilar from the symptoms that our Persian Gulf veterans are experiencing because of chemicals in their homes or workplaces.

As has been well-documented, the military theater in the Persian Gulf was a chemical cesspool. Our troops were exposed to chemical warfare agents, leaded petroleum, widespread use of pesticides, depleted uranium and burning oil wells. In addition, they were given a myriad of pharmaceuticals as vaccines. Further, and perhaps most importantly, as a result of a waiver from the FDA, hundreds of thousands of troops were given pyridostigmine bromide. Pyridostigmine bromide, which was being used as an anti-nerve agent, had never been used in this capacity before. In the midst of all this, our troops were living in a hot an unpleasant climate and were under very great stress.

The Department of Defense and the Department of Veterans Affairs have downplayed the presence Multiple Chemical Sensitivity in Gulf War veterans. In the very beginning, the Defense Department and Veterans Affairs actually denied that there was any problem whatsoever with our veterans' health. Then, after finally acknowledging that there was a problem, they concluded that the problem was in the heads of our soldiers -- of psychological origin. The DOD and the VA responded very poorly to our veterans concerns. Tragically, our veterans were discounted. They were called malingerers.

Ever so slowly, the truth about chemical exposure in the Persian Gulf has begun to surface. On July 24, 1997, the Defense Department and the Central Intelligence Agency gave us their best estimate -- that as many as 98, 910 American troops could have been exposed to chemical warfare agents due to destruction of "the Pit" in Khamisiyah, an Iraqi munitions facility.

Not waiting for the DOD and VA, many other federal, state and local government agencies have recognized the existence of Multiple Chemical Sensitivity. I want to submit for the Record the latest "Recognition of Multiple Chemical Sensitivity" newsletter which lists the U.S. federal, state and local government authorities, U.S. federal and state courts, U.S. workers' compensation boards, and independent organizations that have adopted policies, made statements, and/or published documents recognizing Multiple Chemical Sensitivity disorders.

Congressman Sanders then read into the Record the August 1998 paper 'Recognition of MCS' from Multiple Chemical Sensitivity Referral & Resources, Inc.

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Bradenton, Florida

Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS) Awareness Week
May 11-17,1998

PROCLAMATION:

WHEREAS: Chronic fatigue and immune dysfunction syndrome, also known as chronic fatigue syndrome, as well as the overlapping disorders of multiple chemical sensitivities, or MCS, fibromyalgia, and gulf war illnesses are complex illnesses affecting many different body systems and organs, thus causing disabilities for ever increasing numbers of our population; and

WHEREAS: persons with one or more of these disorders suffer from symptoms including chronic fatigue, muscle and joint pain, memory loss, rashes ,asthma, headaches, chest pains and other respiratory and neurological problems, and

WHEREAS: conservative estimates suggest that millions of adults and children require reasonable accommodations, information about and recognition of these illnesses, access for opportunities to employment, schooling, public facilities and any other venue so that they might continue to contribute their skills, ideas, abilities, and knowledge, thus still feeling some sense of self-worth, and

WHEREAS: such persons need understanding and support from family, friends, co-workers, and society at large as they struggle with these disorders while trying to adapt to different but very necessary life styles: and

WHEREAS: persons with these disabilities are now recognized by local, state, and federal agencies, including Social Security Administration, HUD, and the Environmental Protection Agency:and

for these illnesses ,

THEREFORE: I, Bill Evers,
Mayor of the city of Bradenton, Florida ,
in support of needed understanding, education and research for these overlapping disorders, do hereby proclaim the week of May 11th, 1998 as

CHRONIC FATIGUE AND IMMUNE DYSFUNCTION SYNDROME

AND RELATED DISORDERS AWARENESS WEEK

in the city of Bradenton.

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Kentucky

Proclamation
By
Paul E. Patton
Governor
Of The
Commonwealth of Kentucky

To All To Whom These Presents Shall Come:

WHEREAS, People of all ages in Washington have developed a condition known as Multiple Chemical Sensitivity as a result of a single massive exposure of repeated low level exposures to toxic chemicals and other irritants in the environment; and

WHEREAS, MCS is a chronic Condition for which there is no known cure and which symptoms include chronic fatigue, muscle and joint pains, asthma, short term memory loss, headaches and other respiratory and neurological problems; and

WHEREAS, MCS can cause major financial, employment, housing, health and social consequences for people who have this disability; and

WHEREAS, The health of the general population is at risk from chemical exposures that can lead to illnesses that may be preventable through reduction or avoidance of chemicals in the air, water and food in both indoor and outdoor environments; and

WHEREAS, MCS is recognized by the Americans with Disabilities Act, Social Security Administration, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Environmental Protection agency, as well as other state and national government agencies and commissions which have supported the health and welfare of the chemically injured; and

WHEREAS, Reasonable Accommodations, information about and recognition of MCS can provide opportunities for people with disabilities to enjoy access to work, schooling, public facilities and other settings where they can continue to contribute their skills, ideals, creativity, abilities and knowledge; and

WHEREAS, People with MCS need the support and understanding of family, friends co-workers and society as they struggle with their illness and adapt to new life styles;

Now, Therefore, I, Paul E. Patton, Governor of the Commonwealth of Kentucky, do hereby proclaim the week of May 12, 1999 as MULTIMLE CHEMICAAL SENSITIVITY AWARENESS WEEK in Kentucky. 

Done At The Capitol, in the City of Frankfort, this the 13th day of April, in the year of Our Lord One Thousand Nine Hundred Ninety-nine and the 207th year of the Commonwealth.

Paul E Patton 
Governor

John Y. Brown III
Secretary of State
 

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