Autism treatment funds: Nevada lawmakers hear emotional pleas
February 6, 2009
Nevada lawmakers had an emotional day of testimony Friday, as families affected by autism pleaded with legislators to continue funding treatment for the developmental disease.
Last session, the legislature allocated $2 million to treat children with autism. One hundred children have benefited from that treatment, but 200 more are still waiting for treatment due to lack of funding. The money allocated for autism treatment will run out all together on June 30, 2009.
“We didn’t think we’d be back here begging for money,” Jan Crandy of the Autism Coalition of Nevada (ACON) said. “We thought we’d be asking for case growth at this point, so we could serve some more kids. We’ve seen IQ gains. Some of the kids have made such a significant difference, that they’re on the road to not needing services in the future.”
Parents testified Friday before a joint committee meeting concerning the state’s health and human services budget. Some thanked legislators for the funding they’ve already provided, saying it has helped change their children. Others stood up and told lawmakers that funding for autism to be permanent.
One of the most powerful testimonials came in the form of a letter from a nine-year old girl named Cierra. She wrote to lawmakers about her three-year old brother who has autism. She said he’s gotten better because of the treatment.
At least one lawmaker promised to work to get funds to treat children with autism.
“It’s such a sad thing to know that over 200 kids are on the waiting list and not even getting the services the need, and knowing that they’re not going to get better,” Assemblywoman Shelia Leslie said. “As a parent I cannot imagine what those families must be feeling. So it’s not just kicking off the kids who are getting the services now, it’s all the kids who are on the waiting list. So we’re going to work very hard. I thought the testimony today was very to the point, and we’ll be working on this all session.”
Legislators are facing many tough budget decisions this session, with the state of Nevada facing drastically declining revenues. The estimate for revenues for fiscal 2009-2010 is $5.8 billion. Governor Jim Gibbons, factoring in some new revenue, will propose spending just over $6 billion. That’s much less than the $6.8 billion approved in 2007 for the current two-year budget period.
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Original article here.
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