Autism Speaks is calling us to action!

ATTENTION MICHIGAN RESIDENTS!

Michigan recently became one of a growing number of states across the country to introduce autism insurance reform bills this session. Representatives Kathy Angerer (D-55) and Richard Ball (R-85) have introduced House Bills 5527 & 5529, and Senator Tupac Hunter (D-5) has introduced Senate Bills 784 & 785, which seek to end insurance discrimination for children with autism spectrum disorders and provide them with evidence based, medically necessary treatments that they need to live more productive lives. The bill provides for coverage for therapies such as speech therapy, occupational therapy, psychological therapy and services and applied behavioral analysis therapy as prescribed by a treating physician or psychologist.

RALLY REMINDER!

A rally will be held to ask for a hearing on bills in both the House and Senate on Tuesday, April 22nd in Lansing, MI at the Capitol. The rally begins at 11am and will go until 2pm. We encourage you to attend and make plans to visit with your legislators during and at the conclusion of the rally.

WHAT CAN YOU DO TO HELP RIGHT NOW?

STARTING ON MONDAY, APRIL 21, 2008 AT 11:00AM through WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23 at 5:30 pm!

1. CALL the members of the House Health Policy Committee and ask for a hearing and their support for HB 5527 & 5529. Let them know how much we need their help and what this would mean to your child and your family. Definitely MAKE THE CALL if you see one of YOUR Representatives is on the Committee!

Name
District Map
Phone

Rep. Kathy Angerer (Committee Chair) 55th (517) 373-1792
Rep. Mike Simpson (Majority Vice-Chair) 65th (517) 373-1775
Rep. Barb Byrum 67th (517) 373-0587
Rep. Brenda Clack 34th (517) 373-8808
Rep. Marc R. Corriveau 20th (517) 373-3816
Rep. Andy Coulouris 95th (517) 373-0152
Rep. Marie Donigan 26th (517) 373-3818
Rep. Ted Hammon 50th (517) 373-3906
Rep. Robert B. Jones 60th (517) 373-1785
Rep. Mary Valentine 91st (517) 373-3436
Rep. Lisa Wojno 28th (517) 373-2275
Rep. Bert Johnson 5th (517) 373-0144
Rep. Edward Gaffney (Minority Vice-Chair) 1st (517) 373-0154
Rep. Joe Hune 47th (517) 373-8835
Rep. Jim Marleau 46th (517) 373-1798
Rep. Kevin Green 77th (517) 373-2277
Rep. Richard Ball 85th (517) 373-0841
Rep. Brian N. Calley 87th (517) 373-0842
Rep. David Robertson 51st (517) 373-1780
Rep. Tim Moore 97th (517) 373-8962




2. FOLLOW UP WITH AN EMAIL to the members of the House Health Policy Committee as well and be sure to include one or two paragraphs about why this is an important issue to you!

3. CALL and EMAIL Senator Thomas George (R - District 20), the Chair of the MI Senate Health Policy Committee. Ask Senator George to hold a hearing on SB 784 & 785 and explain to him why this is an important issue to you.

Senator Thomas George - (517) 373 -0793

4. PASS THIS ALERT ALONG! Forward this ALERT out to anyone you know who will help who lives in Michigan. We need to demonstrate the strength of the autism community in our state. Please forward to teachers, therapists, family members and neighbors to ask for their support on this important piece of legislation. Don't just leave it up to the autism community to get this done! We need everyone's help!

For more information on these bills and grassroots activity in Michigan, please visit www.autismvotes.org/michigan.

Thanks,

Shelley Hendrix
Director of State Advocacy Relations
Autism Speaks