Federal Initiatives
Federal Health Care Reform
The implementation of the 2010 Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act could have profound implications on autism insurance reform and laws passed by a majority of states. Autism Speaks is closely monitoring the regulatory framework being created by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
The Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Act of 2011
Autism Speaks is supporting the ABLE Act which would allow the creation of tax-free 529 accounts for individuals with disabilities, including autism, to save for their future needs without losing access to other resources.
2012 Presidential Campaign
Autism Speaks is asking each of the 2012 candidates for President to sign on to its Blueprint for an Appropriate Federal Response to Autism. In addition, we will periodically highlight statements and developments in the campaign relating to autism.
The Combating Autism Reauthorization Act (CARA) of 2011
President Obama signed the Combating Autism Reauthorization Act of 2011 into law on September 30, 2011, securing the federal response to the national and public health emergency posed by autism spectrum disorders for another three years. Sponsored by Reps. Chris Smith (R-NJ) and Mike Doyle (D-PA) in the House of Representatives, and Senators Robert Menendez (D-NJ) and Mike Enzi (R-WY) in the Senate, the law authorizes $693 million in federal resources for continued autism research, treatment and services.
Department of Defense Autism Research Program Appropriations
$6.4 million was passed for the DoD-ARP for FY2011.
The IDEA Fairness Restoration Act (S. 613/H.R. 1208)
Sponsored in the Senate by Senator Tom Harkin (IA) and in the House by Representative Chris Van Hollen (MD-8) these bills would allow parents to recover expert witness fees in an action under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.
Military Families and Autism Advocacy
Are you a member of a Military family affected by autism? Want to get more involved with issues of policy and legislation that affect children with autism in military families?
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