Today I had the pleasure of interviewing Nadine Gratz, Health Policy Analyst for Senate Majority Leader Judy Robson. We talked about Judy Robson’s reasons for introducing the bill that would mandate insurance coverage for autism treatment, and what concerned citizens, parents and advocates can do to help.
RJ Wood: What is the status of the bill introduced by Judy Robson mandating insurance coverage for autism treatment?
Gratz: Currently the bill is being circulated for signatures. So far we have 42 out of 132 legislators signing on, 13 senators and 29 reps.
RJ Wood: So there is bi-partisan support?
Gratz: No, not really. At this point we are working to get more legislators to sign onto the bill; it will be introduced on Thursday. Basically it is the same language as the Governor’s proposal.
RJ Wood: Why was the legislation removed from the Joint Finance Committee?
Gratz: The Joint Finance Committee regarded this as a policy item, not budget proposal.
RJ Wood: Why did Senator Robson introduce this legislation?
Gratz: Senator Robson is a nurse. So she has a very long standing, about 20 years total, of fighting very hard for a range of health care issues, and this is a natural extension.
She (Robson) was very pleased when she saw that the Governor had included this insurance provision in the budget, and when she saw that it was removed she wanted to keep it going. She is very concerned about the number of children being diagnosed, and she believes that early behavioral intervention can be so effective.
She brings this from her nursing background. She has always been a very firm advocate for prevention when possible, and early intervention, so this bill is an effort to get intensive care to children with autism at the time when it can be most effective.
From the perspective of a care giver it’s kind of a “no brainer.”
RJ Wood: Once the legislation passes the senate, what are the chances of getting it through the Assembly?
Gratz: It’s going to be very hard. At this point it remains to be seen how involved advocates for it will be, and how successful constituents are with their own legislators, and we know it will get a huge amount of pushback from the insurance industry.
RJ Wood: What are the best ways for families and other interested parties to help get this legislation passed?
Gratz: People that are affected need to speak out, and make tell stories in a compelling way so that legislators do not forget them (when they go to vote on the issue).
There is a strong commitment from the autism community and their families to this legislation. A good question to ask your legislator is: ‘if not this, what? If this isn’t the right bill, what is your response,’ and if their response is nothing, then people need to start sending them some strong message of ‘why are you in office then?’
Monday, April 30, 2007
Senator Hansen Supports Autism Mandate
Jay Wadd, Chief of Staff for Senator David Hansen, member of the Joint Finance Committee, in a conversation I had with him today, expressed that Senator Hansen believed that the proposal by Judith Robsen would be acted on swiftly and sent to the Assembly for a vote. He was unable to cite a specific time-line, but assured me that Senator Hansen was a supporter of this legislation.
Letter Asking for $15 Million in Defense Budget for Autism Research
The Honorable John P. Murtha, Chairman The Honorable C.W. Bill Young, Ranking Member
Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense
Room H-149 The Capitol 1016 Longworth House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515 Washington, DC 20515
Dear Chairman Murtha and Ranking Member Young:
On behalf of the estimated 1.77 million American families affected by autism spectrum disorders (ASD, hereafter referred to as autism), we respectfully request that you provide $15 million in the Fiscal Year 2008 Defense Appropriations Bill for autism research. This program would be funded in the U.S. Army Research, Development, Testing and Evaluation Medical Advanced Technology account.
Many DoD families are touched by autism. The most recent prevalence data indicate that 1 in 150 children have an autism spectrum disorder. Based on this prevalence rate, as many as 12,000 children in military families (active duty, reserve and guard) may have autism. These families are affected substantially by the financial and emotional costs of raising a child with autism. Autism’s impact also extends to the performance and readiness of service members who have children with autism and their units. A service member with a child with autism may be restricted in terms of assignments and ‘deployability,’ thus potentially placing a higher burden on others who serve.
Moreover, the military life is particularly difficult for children with autism and their families. A specific feature of autism is extreme difficulty with life, routine, or environment changes of any kind. Therefore, these children need a set routine, stability, and continuity of services and relationships. Military life by its nature provides few of these needs. Frequent changes of residence and schools, and the prolonged absences of a parent make life much more difficult for the child with autism and his or her caretakers. When one parent is away, the spouse or other caretaker at home must bear both the normal burdens of that situation, and the additional challenge of raising a child with autism facing extraordinary stresses. This situation is likely to weaken the morale of the parent serving in the military as well as the caretaker at home.
For these reasons, we feel strongly that the autism epidemic warrants an additional investment via the Department of Defense. It is well known that children with autism, if they receive prompt treatment and early intervention services, can improve their long-term functional prospects dramatically. Additional research will help to improve treatment and intervention. The results will directly serve the interests of DoD families touched by autism as well as the medical, educational, healthcare and service professionals who serve the needs of the autism community within and beyond DoD.
With the number of Americans diagnosed as having autism or ASD continuing to rise at an alarming rate, Congress must redouble our commitment to increasing and enhancing the federal government’s contribution to autism research. Based on statistics from the U.S. Department of Education and other governmental agencies, autism is growing at a startling rate of 10-17 percent per year. At this rate, it is estimated that the prevalence of autism could reach 4 million Americans in the next decade.
Simply put, our government cannot afford not to make this additional commitment to autism research. Autism places tremendous health, financial, and emotional strains on our nation’s families, including those in the military, and the problem will only worsen unless an all-out research campaign is launched to discover causes, enhance therapies and, ultimately, prevent or cure autism.
We thank you for considering this most important request. If you have any questions or would like additional information, please contact Tim Lynagh in the office of Rep. Chris Smith (5-3765), Kenneth DeGraff in the office of Rep. Mike Doyle at (5-2135) or Peter Kay in the office of Rep. Carolyn McCarthy (5-5516).
Sincerely,
Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense
Room H-149 The Capitol 1016 Longworth House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515 Washington, DC 20515
Dear Chairman Murtha and Ranking Member Young:
On behalf of the estimated 1.77 million American families affected by autism spectrum disorders (ASD, hereafter referred to as autism), we respectfully request that you provide $15 million in the Fiscal Year 2008 Defense Appropriations Bill for autism research. This program would be funded in the U.S. Army Research, Development, Testing and Evaluation Medical Advanced Technology account.
Many DoD families are touched by autism. The most recent prevalence data indicate that 1 in 150 children have an autism spectrum disorder. Based on this prevalence rate, as many as 12,000 children in military families (active duty, reserve and guard) may have autism. These families are affected substantially by the financial and emotional costs of raising a child with autism. Autism’s impact also extends to the performance and readiness of service members who have children with autism and their units. A service member with a child with autism may be restricted in terms of assignments and ‘deployability,’ thus potentially placing a higher burden on others who serve.
Moreover, the military life is particularly difficult for children with autism and their families. A specific feature of autism is extreme difficulty with life, routine, or environment changes of any kind. Therefore, these children need a set routine, stability, and continuity of services and relationships. Military life by its nature provides few of these needs. Frequent changes of residence and schools, and the prolonged absences of a parent make life much more difficult for the child with autism and his or her caretakers. When one parent is away, the spouse or other caretaker at home must bear both the normal burdens of that situation, and the additional challenge of raising a child with autism facing extraordinary stresses. This situation is likely to weaken the morale of the parent serving in the military as well as the caretaker at home.
For these reasons, we feel strongly that the autism epidemic warrants an additional investment via the Department of Defense. It is well known that children with autism, if they receive prompt treatment and early intervention services, can improve their long-term functional prospects dramatically. Additional research will help to improve treatment and intervention. The results will directly serve the interests of DoD families touched by autism as well as the medical, educational, healthcare and service professionals who serve the needs of the autism community within and beyond DoD.
With the number of Americans diagnosed as having autism or ASD continuing to rise at an alarming rate, Congress must redouble our commitment to increasing and enhancing the federal government’s contribution to autism research. Based on statistics from the U.S. Department of Education and other governmental agencies, autism is growing at a startling rate of 10-17 percent per year. At this rate, it is estimated that the prevalence of autism could reach 4 million Americans in the next decade.
Simply put, our government cannot afford not to make this additional commitment to autism research. Autism places tremendous health, financial, and emotional strains on our nation’s families, including those in the military, and the problem will only worsen unless an all-out research campaign is launched to discover causes, enhance therapies and, ultimately, prevent or cure autism.
We thank you for considering this most important request. If you have any questions or would like additional information, please contact Tim Lynagh in the office of Rep. Chris Smith (5-3765), Kenneth DeGraff in the office of Rep. Mike Doyle at (5-2135) or Peter Kay in the office of Rep. Carolyn McCarthy (5-5516).
Sincerely,
Letter to WI Own Dave Obey re: Funding for Combating Autism Act
The Honorable David Obey The Honorable Jerry Lewis
Chairman Ranking Minority Member
Committee on Appropriations Committee on Appropriations
U.S. House of Representatives U.S. House of Representatives
Washington, DC 20515 Washington, DC 20515
The Honorable James Walsh
Ranking Minority Member
Subcommittee on Labor, HHS, Ed
Committee on Appropriations
U.S. House of Representatives
Washington, DC 20515
Dear Chairman Obey and Ranking Members Lewis and Walsh:
We are writing to urge you, in the strongest possible terms, to fully fund the Combating Autism Act (“CAA”) in 2008.
Autism is increasing at epidemic proportions. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), it now strikes 1 in 150 of America’s children, making it more common than pediatric cancer, diabetes, and AIDS combined. It occurs in all racial, ethnic, and social groups. Autism impairs a person's ability to communicate and relate to others, and remains a life-long burden, not only for those who have been diagnosed, but for parents and other family members as well.
Late last year, Congress very appropriately responded to this crisis by enacting the CAA. For Fiscal Year 2008, the CAA authorizes a total of $168 million for a variety of critical autism activities, including: (1) $16.5 million for the CDCP to conduct its Developmental Disabilities Surveillance and Research program; (2) $37 million for the Secretary of Health and Human Services to carry out an Autism Education, Early Detection, and Intervention program; and, (3) $114.5 million for the Secretary and the National Institutes of Health to operate an Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee, implement the expansion, intensification and coordination of research on autism spectrum disorder, and fund and review autism centers of excellence.
Both the House and the Senate passed these authorizations unanimously. We urge you to make funding the implementation of the CAA an equally bipartisan and universally supported effort.
Thank you for your consideration of this important request. If you have any questions or would like additional information, please contact Kenneth DeGraff (Rep. Mike Doyle) at 5-2135, Tim Lynagh (Rep. Chris Smith) at 5-3765, or Peter Kay (Rep. Carolyn McCarthy) at 5-5516.
Sincerely,
Chairman Ranking Minority Member
Committee on Appropriations Committee on Appropriations
U.S. House of Representatives U.S. House of Representatives
Washington, DC 20515 Washington, DC 20515
The Honorable James Walsh
Ranking Minority Member
Subcommittee on Labor, HHS, Ed
Committee on Appropriations
U.S. House of Representatives
Washington, DC 20515
Dear Chairman Obey and Ranking Members Lewis and Walsh:
We are writing to urge you, in the strongest possible terms, to fully fund the Combating Autism Act (“CAA”) in 2008.
Autism is increasing at epidemic proportions. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), it now strikes 1 in 150 of America’s children, making it more common than pediatric cancer, diabetes, and AIDS combined. It occurs in all racial, ethnic, and social groups. Autism impairs a person's ability to communicate and relate to others, and remains a life-long burden, not only for those who have been diagnosed, but for parents and other family members as well.
Late last year, Congress very appropriately responded to this crisis by enacting the CAA. For Fiscal Year 2008, the CAA authorizes a total of $168 million for a variety of critical autism activities, including: (1) $16.5 million for the CDCP to conduct its Developmental Disabilities Surveillance and Research program; (2) $37 million for the Secretary of Health and Human Services to carry out an Autism Education, Early Detection, and Intervention program; and, (3) $114.5 million for the Secretary and the National Institutes of Health to operate an Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee, implement the expansion, intensification and coordination of research on autism spectrum disorder, and fund and review autism centers of excellence.
Both the House and the Senate passed these authorizations unanimously. We urge you to make funding the implementation of the CAA an equally bipartisan and universally supported effort.
Thank you for your consideration of this important request. If you have any questions or would like additional information, please contact Kenneth DeGraff (Rep. Mike Doyle) at 5-2135, Tim Lynagh (Rep. Chris Smith) at 5-3765, or Peter Kay (Rep. Carolyn McCarthy) at 5-5516.
Sincerely,
Milwaukee Area Legislative Breakfast
This just in from Emily Levine at ASSEW:
If driving to Madison wasn’t an option for you and you live in Milwaukee County, you will have an opportunity to meet with your legislators in Milwaukee on May 18th. Make it Work! Milwaukee is a coalition of groups concerned with services for people with developmental disabilities, people with mental illness, and people who are aging within Milwaukee County. The People Can’t Wait Coalition (of which ASSEW is a member) and Make it Work! Milwaukee are sponsoring a legislative breakfast on Friday, May 18th, from 9 – 11 AM at the Exposition Center at State Fair Park. A flyer with details and registration information is available to download from our website. http://assew.org/LegislativeBreakfastFlyer.pdf Legislators and/or their staff will attend and attendees will be seated at tables with their state representatives, senators, or staff. To get “a seat at the table” you need to register. This is a fantastic opportunity to let your legislators know what issues are important to you as they continue their work on the budget for the next biennium.
If driving to Madison wasn’t an option for you and you live in Milwaukee County, you will have an opportunity to meet with your legislators in Milwaukee on May 18th. Make it Work! Milwaukee is a coalition of groups concerned with services for people with developmental disabilities, people with mental illness, and people who are aging within Milwaukee County. The People Can’t Wait Coalition (of which ASSEW is a member) and Make it Work! Milwaukee are sponsoring a legislative breakfast on Friday, May 18th, from 9 – 11 AM at the Exposition Center at State Fair Park. A flyer with details and registration information is available to download from our website. http://assew.org/LegislativeBreakfastFlyer.pdf Legislators and/or their staff will attend and attendees will be seated at tables with their state representatives, senators, or staff. To get “a seat at the table” you need to register. This is a fantastic opportunity to let your legislators know what issues are important to you as they continue their work on the budget for the next biennium.
Senator Decker's Staff - Returning Autism Proposal to the Budget Not Possible at this Time
According to Linda Warren, a staffer for Senator Russ Decker of the Joint Finance Committee, Senator Decker is a supporter of the new legislation by Senator Robson, but doesn't believe that returning the insurance mandate to the budget proposal is possible.
What are the benefits of returning the language to the budget proposal? Is it more feasible to just pass the legislation seperately as introduced by Robson? Stay tuned for answers from my digging on the hill!
What are the benefits of returning the language to the budget proposal? Is it more feasible to just pass the legislation seperately as introduced by Robson? Stay tuned for answers from my digging on the hill!
Friday, April 27, 2007
Please Take the Poll on Wait List Length!
In order to get a sense of how the wait list policy is impacting Wisconsin residents who need treatment for their children, I have posted a poll at the following web address:
http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/WisconsinOrganizing4AutismRightsNow/polls/
http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/WisconsinOrganizing4AutismRightsNow/polls/
Joint Finance Committee Letter
Simply cut and paste and personalize the letter below and mail it to the members of the Joint Finance Committee that are listed below! If we inundate them with these letters, they may just return it to the budget. I did receive a "tip" from a legislative source that they are considering just this!
Dear Senator/Rep. ___________,
My name is _______________ and I am writing to you, a member of the Joint Finance Committee, to request that you return Governor Doyle’s proposed insurance mandate language to the budget that will be sent to the Assembly and Senate.
This year, the rate of children diagnosed with autism has increased 172%, and now impacts approximately 1 out of 150 children, making it the fasting growing disorder in the United States. Without intervention, according to a recent study by the Harvard School of Public Health, individuals with autism will cost the state $3.2 million dollars over their lifetime, and families face unbelievable loss. Fortunately there is treatment available that has empirical evidence of its success. Many of the children who receive the treatment can go on to lead normal lives.
Currently, the state of Wisconsin is picking up the entire tab for the treatment of Autism Spectrum Disorder. Even residents who have private insurance face a situation where the insurers simply refuse to pay for treatment, even though we know Autism is a physical, neurologically based condition, not a mental health disorder.
Every year hundreds of children in Wisconsin must wait for only 250 treatment slots available, forcing families to postpone treatment, and making them face an agonizing wait for their “turn.” But waiting for Autism treatment is not a game that families should have to “play.” Studies have proven that the quicker a child can receive treatment, the more efficacious the results.
It is extremely unfortunately that the Joint Finance Committee decided to remove such an important provision. I am asking that you compel its return to the budget so that children with autism will get the care that they so deserve, and that taxpayers in Wisconsin can have some relief from the high cost of autism care.
Families that pay their premiums ought to be able to access benefits that will allow them to care for their children with this serious disorder. Many insurance companies argue that they will be forced to raise rates, but without treatment, the state will have to bear a much greater burden of caring for the tremendous number of children with autism. This will impose a much higher tax liability on the population of Wisconsin.
When this is coupled with the tremendous sadness that families of untreated children with autism must endure as they face kids who can not communicate even the simplest of needs, one realizes that not only is this the smart thing to do, it is the compassionate and humane thing to do as well.
Please do the right thing, return the insurance mandate for autism treatment to the budget!
Sincerely,
Dear Senator/Rep. ___________,
My name is _______________ and I am writing to you, a member of the Joint Finance Committee, to request that you return Governor Doyle’s proposed insurance mandate language to the budget that will be sent to the Assembly and Senate.
This year, the rate of children diagnosed with autism has increased 172%, and now impacts approximately 1 out of 150 children, making it the fasting growing disorder in the United States. Without intervention, according to a recent study by the Harvard School of Public Health, individuals with autism will cost the state $3.2 million dollars over their lifetime, and families face unbelievable loss. Fortunately there is treatment available that has empirical evidence of its success. Many of the children who receive the treatment can go on to lead normal lives.
Currently, the state of Wisconsin is picking up the entire tab for the treatment of Autism Spectrum Disorder. Even residents who have private insurance face a situation where the insurers simply refuse to pay for treatment, even though we know Autism is a physical, neurologically based condition, not a mental health disorder.
Every year hundreds of children in Wisconsin must wait for only 250 treatment slots available, forcing families to postpone treatment, and making them face an agonizing wait for their “turn.” But waiting for Autism treatment is not a game that families should have to “play.” Studies have proven that the quicker a child can receive treatment, the more efficacious the results.
It is extremely unfortunately that the Joint Finance Committee decided to remove such an important provision. I am asking that you compel its return to the budget so that children with autism will get the care that they so deserve, and that taxpayers in Wisconsin can have some relief from the high cost of autism care.
Families that pay their premiums ought to be able to access benefits that will allow them to care for their children with this serious disorder. Many insurance companies argue that they will be forced to raise rates, but without treatment, the state will have to bear a much greater burden of caring for the tremendous number of children with autism. This will impose a much higher tax liability on the population of Wisconsin.
When this is coupled with the tremendous sadness that families of untreated children with autism must endure as they face kids who can not communicate even the simplest of needs, one realizes that not only is this the smart thing to do, it is the compassionate and humane thing to do as well.
Please do the right thing, return the insurance mandate for autism treatment to the budget!
Sincerely,
Autism Act of 2007
US Senate Appropriations Committee Holds Hearing on Autism Funding
(From ASA)
ASA Member, Staff and Parent Testifies
On April 17, autism took center stage on Capitol Hill as a new services bill was introduced to the House, and the Senate Appropriations subcommittee, chaired by Senator Harkin, held a hearing on federal coordination and funding for the Combating Autism Act. Congressmen Mike Doyle, Christopher Smith, Eliot Engel, and Chip Pickering introduced at a press conference the Expanding the Promise for Individuals with Autism Act of 2007. ASA President and CEO Lee Grossman, Jon Sheshtack (Autism Speaks), and Bradley Whitford were the featured speakers. Later in the day, ASA Director of Communications Marguerite Colston--who is also the mother of a 6-1/2 year old son with autism spectrum disorder--participated as a panelist to testify in front of the U.S. Senate's Appropriations Committee's Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies, about her experience as the parent of a child with autism on service needs in the autism community, calling for federal funding and leadership.
Use the link at the side to get your members of U.S. House and Senate to co-sponsor this important legislation!
(From ASA)
ASA Member, Staff and Parent Testifies
On April 17, autism took center stage on Capitol Hill as a new services bill was introduced to the House, and the Senate Appropriations subcommittee, chaired by Senator Harkin, held a hearing on federal coordination and funding for the Combating Autism Act. Congressmen Mike Doyle, Christopher Smith, Eliot Engel, and Chip Pickering introduced at a press conference the Expanding the Promise for Individuals with Autism Act of 2007. ASA President and CEO Lee Grossman, Jon Sheshtack (Autism Speaks), and Bradley Whitford were the featured speakers. Later in the day, ASA Director of Communications Marguerite Colston--who is also the mother of a 6-1/2 year old son with autism spectrum disorder--participated as a panelist to testify in front of the U.S. Senate's Appropriations Committee's Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies, about her experience as the parent of a child with autism on service needs in the autism community, calling for federal funding and leadership.
Use the link at the side to get your members of U.S. House and Senate to co-sponsor this important legislation!
Thursday, April 26, 2007
Joint Finance Committe - Contact Them!
Here are the members of the Joint Finance Committee who have decided to remove the insurance mandate provision from the budget language. Please email, fax and call them and let them know you would like for them to return this language to the budget!
Senator Russell Decker
Democrat - Senate District 29
Sen.decker@legis.wisconsin.gov
(608) 266-2502
(608) 267-9027 - fax
(715) 359-8739 - District Telephone
Senator David Hansen
Democrat - Senate District 30
Sen.hansen@legis.wisconsin.gov
(608) 266-5670
(608) 267-6791 - fax
(920) 492-2200 - District Telephone
Senator Lena Taylor
Democrat - Senate District 04
Sen.taylor@legis.wisconsin.gov
(608) 266-5810
(608) 267-2353 - fax
(414) 342-7176 - District Telephone
Senator Robert Jauch
Democrat - Senate District 25
Sen.jauch@legis.wisconsin.gov
(608) 266-3510
(608) 266-3580 - fax
(715) 364-2438 - District Telephone
Senator Mark Miller
Democrat - Senate District 16
Sen.miller@legis.wisconsin.gov
(608) 266-9170
(608) 266-5087 - fax
(608) 221-2701 - District Telephone
Senator John Lehman
Democrat - Senate District 21
Sen.lehman@legis.wisconsin.gov
(608) 266-1832
Senator Alberta Darling
Republican - Senate District 08
Sen.darling@legis.wisconsin.gov
(608) 266-5830
(608) 267-0588 - fax
(262) 250-9440 - District Telephone
Senator Luther Olsen
Republican - Senate District 14
Sen.olsen@legis.wisconsin.gov
(608) 266-0751
(608) 267-4350 - fax
(920) 748-9091 - District Telephone
Representative Kitty Rhoades
Republican - Assembly District 30
Rep.rhoades@legis.wisconsin.gov
(608) 266-1526
(608) 282-3630 - fax
(715) 386-0660 - District Telephone
Representative Dan Meyer
Republican - Assembly District 34
Rep.meyer@legis.wisconsin.gov
(608) 266-7141
(608) 282-3634 - fax
Representative Jeff Stone
Republican - Assembly District 82
Rep.stone@legis.wisconsin.gov
(608) 266-8590
(608) 282-3682 - fax
(414) 529-1100 - District Telephone
Representative Steve Kestell
Republican - Assembly District 27
Rep.kestell@legis.wisconsin.gov
(608) 266-8530
(608) 282-3627 - fax
(920) 565-2044 - District Telephone
Representative Scott Suder
Republican - Assembly District 69
Rep.suder@legis.wisconsin.gov
(608) 267-0280
(608) 282-3669 - fax
(715) 223-6964 - District Telephone
Representative Robin Vos
Republican - Assembly District 63
Rep.vos@legis.wisconsin.gov
(608) 266-9171
(608) 282-3663 - fax
(262) 631-7871 - District Telephone
Representative Mark Pocan
Democrat - Assembly District 78
Rep.pocan@legis.wisconsin.gov
(608) 266-8570
(608) 282-3678 - fax
(608) 265-6214 - District Telephone
Representative Pedro Colon
Republican - Assembly District 08
Rep.colon@legis.wisconsin.gov
(608) 267-7669
(608) 282-3608 - fax
(414) 384-7522 - District Telephone
Senator Russell Decker
Democrat - Senate District 29
Sen.decker@legis.wisconsin.gov
(608) 266-2502
(608) 267-9027 - fax
(715) 359-8739 - District Telephone
Senator David Hansen
Democrat - Senate District 30
Sen.hansen@legis.wisconsin.gov
(608) 266-5670
(608) 267-6791 - fax
(920) 492-2200 - District Telephone
Senator Lena Taylor
Democrat - Senate District 04
Sen.taylor@legis.wisconsin.gov
(608) 266-5810
(608) 267-2353 - fax
(414) 342-7176 - District Telephone
Senator Robert Jauch
Democrat - Senate District 25
Sen.jauch@legis.wisconsin.gov
(608) 266-3510
(608) 266-3580 - fax
(715) 364-2438 - District Telephone
Senator Mark Miller
Democrat - Senate District 16
Sen.miller@legis.wisconsin.gov
(608) 266-9170
(608) 266-5087 - fax
(608) 221-2701 - District Telephone
Senator John Lehman
Democrat - Senate District 21
Sen.lehman@legis.wisconsin.gov
(608) 266-1832
Senator Alberta Darling
Republican - Senate District 08
Sen.darling@legis.wisconsin.gov
(608) 266-5830
(608) 267-0588 - fax
(262) 250-9440 - District Telephone
Senator Luther Olsen
Republican - Senate District 14
Sen.olsen@legis.wisconsin.gov
(608) 266-0751
(608) 267-4350 - fax
(920) 748-9091 - District Telephone
Representative Kitty Rhoades
Republican - Assembly District 30
Rep.rhoades@legis.wisconsin.gov
(608) 266-1526
(608) 282-3630 - fax
(715) 386-0660 - District Telephone
Representative Dan Meyer
Republican - Assembly District 34
Rep.meyer@legis.wisconsin.gov
(608) 266-7141
(608) 282-3634 - fax
Representative Jeff Stone
Republican - Assembly District 82
Rep.stone@legis.wisconsin.gov
(608) 266-8590
(608) 282-3682 - fax
(414) 529-1100 - District Telephone
Representative Steve Kestell
Republican - Assembly District 27
Rep.kestell@legis.wisconsin.gov
(608) 266-8530
(608) 282-3627 - fax
(920) 565-2044 - District Telephone
Representative Scott Suder
Republican - Assembly District 69
Rep.suder@legis.wisconsin.gov
(608) 267-0280
(608) 282-3669 - fax
(715) 223-6964 - District Telephone
Representative Robin Vos
Republican - Assembly District 63
Rep.vos@legis.wisconsin.gov
(608) 266-9171
(608) 282-3663 - fax
(262) 631-7871 - District Telephone
Representative Mark Pocan
Democrat - Assembly District 78
Rep.pocan@legis.wisconsin.gov
(608) 266-8570
(608) 282-3678 - fax
(608) 265-6214 - District Telephone
Representative Pedro Colon
Republican - Assembly District 08
Rep.colon@legis.wisconsin.gov
(608) 267-7669
(608) 282-3608 - fax
(414) 384-7522 - District Telephone
Letter Supporting Our Legislative Goal of Insurance Mandate
I wrote this letter so that people who missed the rally, or friends and family could send a letter to their representatives so that we could keep up the pressure!
Dear Senator/Rep. ___________,
My name is _______________ and I’m a constituent of yours who lives in __________. I am writing to you today because of concerns I have regarding Autism. My ______(insert relationship here e.g. – neighbor’s daughter, cousin, grandson, etc.) has been diagnosed with autism. This has been an incredible challenge for this lovely family and the hardship they have endured while trying to access appropriate treatment for their child is something that no one should have to go through.
This year, the rate of children diagnosed with autism has increased 172%, and now impacts approximately 1 out of 150 children, making it the fasting growing disorder in the United States. Without intervention, according to a recent study by the Harvard School of Public Health, individuals with autism will cost the state $3.2 million dollars over their lifetime, and families face of unbelievable loss. Fortunately there is treatment available that has empirical evidence of being successful. Many of the children who receive the treatment can go on to lead normal lives.
Currently, the state of Wisconsin is picking up the entire tab for the treatment of Autism Spectrum Disorder. Even residents who have private insurance face a situation where the insurers simply refuse to pay for treatment, even though we know Autism is a physical, neurologically based condition, not a mental health disorder.
Every year hundreds of children in Wisconsin must wait for only 250 treatment slots available, forcing families to postpone treatment, and making them face an agonizing wait for their “turn.” But waiting for Autism treatment is not a game that families should have to “play.” Studies have proven that the quicker a child can receive treatment, the more efficacious the results.
During this budget cycle, Governor Doyle has added a proposition that would require that insurance companies pay for autism treatments for their enrollees who qualify. Unfortunately, the Joint Finance Committee removed it. I am asking that you compel its return to the budget, or if that does not occur, that you support the separate piece of legislation that would mandate this coverage.
Families that pay their premiums ought to be able to access benefits that will allow them to care for their children with this serious disorder. Many insurance companies argue that they will be forced to raise rates, but without treatment, the state will have to bear a much greater burden of caring for the tremendous number of children with autism. This will impose a huge tax liability on the population of Wisconsin.
When this is coupled with the tremendous sadness that families of untreated children with autism must endure as they face kids who can not communicate even the simplest of needs, one realizes that not only is this the smart thing to do, it is the compassionate and humane thing to do as well.
Sincerely,
Dear Senator/Rep. ___________,
My name is _______________ and I’m a constituent of yours who lives in __________. I am writing to you today because of concerns I have regarding Autism. My ______(insert relationship here e.g. – neighbor’s daughter, cousin, grandson, etc.) has been diagnosed with autism. This has been an incredible challenge for this lovely family and the hardship they have endured while trying to access appropriate treatment for their child is something that no one should have to go through.
This year, the rate of children diagnosed with autism has increased 172%, and now impacts approximately 1 out of 150 children, making it the fasting growing disorder in the United States. Without intervention, according to a recent study by the Harvard School of Public Health, individuals with autism will cost the state $3.2 million dollars over their lifetime, and families face of unbelievable loss. Fortunately there is treatment available that has empirical evidence of being successful. Many of the children who receive the treatment can go on to lead normal lives.
Currently, the state of Wisconsin is picking up the entire tab for the treatment of Autism Spectrum Disorder. Even residents who have private insurance face a situation where the insurers simply refuse to pay for treatment, even though we know Autism is a physical, neurologically based condition, not a mental health disorder.
Every year hundreds of children in Wisconsin must wait for only 250 treatment slots available, forcing families to postpone treatment, and making them face an agonizing wait for their “turn.” But waiting for Autism treatment is not a game that families should have to “play.” Studies have proven that the quicker a child can receive treatment, the more efficacious the results.
During this budget cycle, Governor Doyle has added a proposition that would require that insurance companies pay for autism treatments for their enrollees who qualify. Unfortunately, the Joint Finance Committee removed it. I am asking that you compel its return to the budget, or if that does not occur, that you support the separate piece of legislation that would mandate this coverage.
Families that pay their premiums ought to be able to access benefits that will allow them to care for their children with this serious disorder. Many insurance companies argue that they will be forced to raise rates, but without treatment, the state will have to bear a much greater burden of caring for the tremendous number of children with autism. This will impose a huge tax liability on the population of Wisconsin.
When this is coupled with the tremendous sadness that families of untreated children with autism must endure as they face kids who can not communicate even the simplest of needs, one realizes that not only is this the smart thing to do, it is the compassionate and humane thing to do as well.
Sincerely,
Sample Follow-Up Letter to Keep Up the Pressure
If you got a chance to talk to your representative, don't forget to send them a thank you not following up on your conversation with them, even if they didn't agress with out position! You can reiterate in the message why we believe the coverage is important. By sending this it will remind them about how organized and powerful a constituency we are. Below is my thank you note, which you are welcome to copy and paste and send to them. Also listed below is a link to how to look up your representatives email address or their street address (if you'd like to send them an impressive hand-written note). Make sure you tailor this letter to your specific circumstances:
Sample letter:
Dear Rep./Senator ________________,
It was really great to meet with you yesterday at our event Capitol Steps for Autism, and to learn more about your position on this issue.
We feel so strongly about getting insurance coverage for our children with autism. Many families already are paying for medical coverage only to have their medical need for autism treatment, which is a medical condition that impacts our children's neurology, denied.
With leadership from the state government in Madison, we can join other states like Minnesota and Indiana in guaranteeing that our most vulnerable residents, children with autism, receive the care that they so desperately need.
Further, when insurance companies pay for coverage for families with insurance, it will free up state funds for other families without private insurance and help speed up the waiting list that causes families to have to cruelly wait for help for their children.
In the long run, treating children with autism now is a much more cost effective policy than having kids go without this care. According to a recent study by the Harvard School of Public Health, left untreated, autism will cost society $3.2 million dollars per person with autism.
As you could see by yesterday's turnout, those of us who are impacted by autism are dedicated to advocating politically for ourselves and our loved ones. By supporting policies that aid us, you will gain the support of a vocal and dedicated constituency!
Thank you again for your time yesterday, and we hope we can count on your support!
Link to look up Wisconsin state legislators:
http://waml.legis.state.wi.us/
Sample letter:
Dear Rep./Senator ________________,
It was really great to meet with you yesterday at our event Capitol Steps for Autism, and to learn more about your position on this issue.
We feel so strongly about getting insurance coverage for our children with autism. Many families already are paying for medical coverage only to have their medical need for autism treatment, which is a medical condition that impacts our children's neurology, denied.
With leadership from the state government in Madison, we can join other states like Minnesota and Indiana in guaranteeing that our most vulnerable residents, children with autism, receive the care that they so desperately need.
Further, when insurance companies pay for coverage for families with insurance, it will free up state funds for other families without private insurance and help speed up the waiting list that causes families to have to cruelly wait for help for their children.
In the long run, treating children with autism now is a much more cost effective policy than having kids go without this care. According to a recent study by the Harvard School of Public Health, left untreated, autism will cost society $3.2 million dollars per person with autism.
As you could see by yesterday's turnout, those of us who are impacted by autism are dedicated to advocating politically for ourselves and our loved ones. By supporting policies that aid us, you will gain the support of a vocal and dedicated constituency!
Thank you again for your time yesterday, and we hope we can count on your support!
Link to look up Wisconsin state legislators:
http://waml.legis.state.wi.us/
Lobbying Results!
Yesterday I was thrilled by the turnout and so excited to get to talk to my Assembly person Rep. Mark Gottlieb and my senator, Glenn Grothman, both of whom I had spoken with on the phone previously regarding this issue.
Rep. Gottlieb was not in his office when I went in, but his very helpful staff member told me that he was two floors up in Caucus and so I went upstairs and the Sergeant-at-Arms told him that I was here to speak with him and he came out right away. At first he expressed reservations about the insurance mandate and cited what appears to me to be an insurance company lobbyist talking point about not wanting insurance premiums to increase because as I walked down the hall I heard numerous rep/sen talking to constituents citing this "concern."
When I told him that people are already paying high premiums and not getting the coverage that they so desperately need for what is essentially a physical condition that really should be covered he really seemed to grasp this and he told me that it was his belief that this proposal of the governor's would be placed back in the budget bill because of our turnout.
Senator Grothman really seemed intent on shifting the focus from autism treatment to figuring out what caused autism, and "if it is the pharmaceutical industry they should pay." I assured him that I was all for more money going into research, but that this is a separate issue that what we are pushing for today, which is treatment for the kids that are currently being impacted. Tamara Kasper, a provider who also lives in Cedarburg where I live was talking with him as well, and pointed out that although we know that smoking causes cancer, we still have insurance companies pay for treatment, which I thought was a really good point. He did say that he was going to support the legislation, and I tried to get him to sign on as a co-sponsor, but he really wasn't ready for that leap. I also pointed out to him the number of constituents that were there who would be very gratified to him for taking a position of support on this issue, and THAT really seemed to resonate with him. Believe me, we made an impact.
My big regret is that more media didn't cover this event, and in the future WOARN will really take charge in media related issues! With all of us families there, it would have been a wonderful photo-op, and I will really work for more coverage at future rallies and events!
Rep. Gottlieb was not in his office when I went in, but his very helpful staff member told me that he was two floors up in Caucus and so I went upstairs and the Sergeant-at-Arms told him that I was here to speak with him and he came out right away. At first he expressed reservations about the insurance mandate and cited what appears to me to be an insurance company lobbyist talking point about not wanting insurance premiums to increase because as I walked down the hall I heard numerous rep/sen talking to constituents citing this "concern."
When I told him that people are already paying high premiums and not getting the coverage that they so desperately need for what is essentially a physical condition that really should be covered he really seemed to grasp this and he told me that it was his belief that this proposal of the governor's would be placed back in the budget bill because of our turnout.
Senator Grothman really seemed intent on shifting the focus from autism treatment to figuring out what caused autism, and "if it is the pharmaceutical industry they should pay." I assured him that I was all for more money going into research, but that this is a separate issue that what we are pushing for today, which is treatment for the kids that are currently being impacted. Tamara Kasper, a provider who also lives in Cedarburg where I live was talking with him as well, and pointed out that although we know that smoking causes cancer, we still have insurance companies pay for treatment, which I thought was a really good point. He did say that he was going to support the legislation, and I tried to get him to sign on as a co-sponsor, but he really wasn't ready for that leap. I also pointed out to him the number of constituents that were there who would be very gratified to him for taking a position of support on this issue, and THAT really seemed to resonate with him. Believe me, we made an impact.
My big regret is that more media didn't cover this event, and in the future WOARN will really take charge in media related issues! With all of us families there, it would have been a wonderful photo-op, and I will really work for more coverage at future rallies and events!
Capitol Steps for Autism!
On Tuesday, April 24th we had an AMAZING rally in Madison at the State Capitol and a very successful day of lobbying! I am getting wonderful reports about how impacted our representatives were by the OVER 1,000 people that attended!
Let’s keep the ENERGY from going! As the mother of a 5 year old with autism who spent a YEAR on the wait list I was so gratified to see the wonderful turnout in Madison. As a former political organizer in my pre-autism life, I was impressed. Let’s keep it going! I just started a new yahoo group called WOARN, Wisconsin Organizing for Autism Rights Now:
http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/WisconsinOrganizing4AutismRightsNow/
Please join me to keep up this incredible effort, because although there was a lot of frustration with some people not getting to see their elected officials, I know that they were impressed with the number of us who came to Madison, and I hope we accomplished our goals of getting the language back in the budget for insurance coverage, and getting it passed into law!
But why stop there?
All of us know that the wait list is terrible and the funding levels don't include enough hours.
All of us know that services for kids and adults over eight is almost non-existent!
We all know that what little respite care is available is mired in long waiting lists as well!
We all know that there is not enough research about Autism and that there should be more!
And we are all tired of not getting enough support for the big financial hit that our families take while we stay home to provide care for our loved ones!
But we CAN use this energy that we unleashed in Madison to push for these goals!
The first step is to find out who are friends are in Madison, who is on the bench and who is not with us, so that we can develop a strategy for introducing pro-autism legislation.
If you were at the rally, please introduce yourself, who your legislators are, if you were able to talk to them and what happened in the exchange, and what their stance was on our issue!
Wisconsin's state motto is FORWARD! I noticed it engraved on doorknobs to every representative and senators office! So let's go FORWARD together WE ARE WOARN!
Let’s keep the ENERGY from going! As the mother of a 5 year old with autism who spent a YEAR on the wait list I was so gratified to see the wonderful turnout in Madison. As a former political organizer in my pre-autism life, I was impressed. Let’s keep it going! I just started a new yahoo group called WOARN, Wisconsin Organizing for Autism Rights Now:
http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/WisconsinOrganizing4AutismRightsNow/
Please join me to keep up this incredible effort, because although there was a lot of frustration with some people not getting to see their elected officials, I know that they were impressed with the number of us who came to Madison, and I hope we accomplished our goals of getting the language back in the budget for insurance coverage, and getting it passed into law!
But why stop there?
All of us know that the wait list is terrible and the funding levels don't include enough hours.
All of us know that services for kids and adults over eight is almost non-existent!
We all know that what little respite care is available is mired in long waiting lists as well!
We all know that there is not enough research about Autism and that there should be more!
And we are all tired of not getting enough support for the big financial hit that our families take while we stay home to provide care for our loved ones!
But we CAN use this energy that we unleashed in Madison to push for these goals!
The first step is to find out who are friends are in Madison, who is on the bench and who is not with us, so that we can develop a strategy for introducing pro-autism legislation.
If you were at the rally, please introduce yourself, who your legislators are, if you were able to talk to them and what happened in the exchange, and what their stance was on our issue!
Wisconsin's state motto is FORWARD! I noticed it engraved on doorknobs to every representative and senators office! So let's go FORWARD together WE ARE WOARN!
Wisconsin Organizing 4 Autism Rights Now!
Wisconsin Organizing 4 Autism Rights Now, or WOARN is an organization for people with autism, their families, friends and professionals to come together to work towards the following:
1. End the wait list so that there is full funding of appropriate levels of treatment for autism spectrum disorders (ASD)
2. Funding for services for individuals with ASD throughout their lifespan at appropriate levels
3. Tax credits for families who need someone to stay home to care for someone with ASD
4. Funding for research into ASD
5. Funding for respite care for families who need such services
WOARN will serve as a clearinghouse for legislative information, will distribute calls to action to members who can then act on those calls, and will work with other autism organizations to advance these goals.
We are used to fighting for services and our needs, WOARN will make these efforts concerted, thus making them more effective.
A squeaky wheel gets the grease, and a lot of squeaky wheels together will make such a loud noise they will be unable to put off the grease!
If WE do not use the wheels of democracy that have been designed to help the citizens benefit from their government, then we will be run over!
TOGETHER WE CAN!
1. End the wait list so that there is full funding of appropriate levels of treatment for autism spectrum disorders (ASD)
2. Funding for services for individuals with ASD throughout their lifespan at appropriate levels
3. Tax credits for families who need someone to stay home to care for someone with ASD
4. Funding for research into ASD
5. Funding for respite care for families who need such services
WOARN will serve as a clearinghouse for legislative information, will distribute calls to action to members who can then act on those calls, and will work with other autism organizations to advance these goals.
We are used to fighting for services and our needs, WOARN will make these efforts concerted, thus making them more effective.
A squeaky wheel gets the grease, and a lot of squeaky wheels together will make such a loud noise they will be unable to put off the grease!
If WE do not use the wheels of democracy that have been designed to help the citizens benefit from their government, then we will be run over!
TOGETHER WE CAN!
Blogging for Autism Power
Welcome to Blogging for Autism Power...this blog will focus on organizing grassroots efforts to benefit people with autism and those who love them! We are starting our focus in Wisconsin and then will branch out to cover more area as the need arises or if emphasis is needed at the federal level!
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