Laughlin, Mullins, Cutler Applaud ALS, Neurodegenerative Disease Investments Included in 2026-27 Budget

July 12, 2026

HARRISBURG – Sen. Dan Laughlin (R-49), Rep. Kyle Mullins (D-112) and Rep. Bryan Cutler (R-100) today highlighted the inclusion of continued funding for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) support services and neurodegenerative disease research in Pennsylvania's recently enacted $50.8 billion 2026-27 state budget.

While the budget funds a wide range of state priorities, it also preserves critical investments for Pennsylvanians living with ALS and other neurodegenerative diseases. The enacted budget maintains $1.5 million for ALS support services, ensuring organizations can continue providing care coordination, equipment assistance, caregiver support and other essential services.

The budget also maintains $5 million for neurodegenerative disease research, supporting work focused on ALS, Alzheimer's disease, Huntington's disease, Parkinson's disease and other devastating neurological conditions. This builds on the $5 million investment included in last year's state budget, bringing the total investment through the Department of Health's Neurodegenerative Disease Research Program to $10 million. In addition, it continues a dedicated share of Tobacco Settlement research funding for Pennsylvania biomedical institutions studying these diseases.

For Sen. Laughlin, these investments carry deep personal significance.

"Budgets are about priorities, and ensuring these investments remained in this year's budget sends a clear message that Pennsylvania stands with families facing ALS and other neurodegenerative diseases," Laughlin said. "This issue is deeply personal for my family as my son is living with ALS, and I know firsthand the challenges families face after receiving this devastating diagnosis. Access to support services, equipment, caregiver assistance and other resources can make a tremendous difference in the lives of patients and their loved ones, while continued research gives families hope for better treatments and, ultimately, a cure.”

“So many know the feeling when the doctor comes in and delivers the devastating news of a diagnosis like ALS, Alzheimer's, or Parkinson's,” said Rep. Mullins. “It's a hopeless feeling because there are no cures for these fatal, neurodegenerative diseases. This is an experience I share with my colleagues Senator Laughlin, Representative Cutler, and Representative Cerrato, all of us having watched beloved family members face the reality of ALS. I'm truly grateful for their unwavering support of this historic research funding to find treatments, cures, and--most importantly--hope for those battling these cruel diseases.”

“This is another step forward for neurodegenerative disease research in Pennsylvania,” said Rep. Cutler. “This is a continued commitment for Pennsylvania to be at the forefront of critical research that will hopefully bring improved treatment and potentially cures for diseases like dementia, Alzheimer’s and ALS. The $10 million appropriated for this research last year was a big step forward and continuing to fund this research is key. I want to thank Rep. Mullins and Sen. Laughlin for being steadfast allies on this issue.”

The three lawmakers have worked together on a bipartisan basis to advance awareness of ALS and advocate for sustained investments in both patient services and medical research.

Representative Bryan Cutler
100th Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Joe Szymanski
jszymanski@pahousegop.com
www.repcutler.com / www.facebook.com/repbryancutler