Senator Scott Rupp Named to
Missouri Commission on Autism Spectrum Disorders
From the Missouri Senate Website:
LInk to Senator Rupp Press Release
JEFFERSON CITY - Sen. Scott T. Rupp, R-Wentzville, was recently appointed by Senate Leader Mike Gibbons, R-Kirkwood, to serve on the Missouri Commission on Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD).
The statewide commission, a component of legislation (Senate Bill 768) advanced by Sen. Rupp to enhance autism services in Missouri, will advise and make recommendations to the governor, General Assembly, and state agencies on matters relating to ASD; and develop a statewide comprehensive plan for an integrated system of training, treatment and services for individuals with ASD.
The commission was formed as the result of recommendations made by the Blue Ribbon Panel on autism formed by Sen. Gibbons last year for which Sen. Rupp served as chair.
"Sen. Rupp's dedication and work as chairman of the Blue Ribbon Panel makes him the best choice to continue our efforts to empower families living with autism," Sen. Gibbons said. "We promised to turn the Blue Ribbon Panel's recommendations into reality. We have by creating the commission and with Scott's hard work we will continue to make more of those recommendations reality."
The commission, which consists of representatives of the General Assembly, various state agencies, organizations involved with autism, parents, and individuals with ASD, will announce its preliminary recommendations by July 1, 2009.
Senate Bill 768 also establishes the Office of Autism Services within the Department of Mental Health. The office will provide leadership in program development for children and adults with ASD, and serve as an entry point to help direct families to diagnosis and care services, making it easier for them to navigate the system and more quickly find the resources they need.
"I am very pleased to serve on the commission and to continue the great work of the Blue Ribbon Panel in addressing this critical health issue," Sen. Rupp said. "Our goal is to make Missouri a leader in providing the best resources in training, research, and support to benefit individuals and families affected by ASD."
BACKGROUND INFO
The bill was originally sponsored by Senator Scott Rupp, who served as chariman of the Missouri Blue Ribbon Panel on Autism. Establishing a state autism commission was the number one recommendation of the Panel's report.
Link to the Autism Commission Bill (SB 768)
According to Senator Rupp's office, at this time no other appointments have been made public. Aside from the General Assembly seats (2 from Senate, 2 from House), the Governor's office is responsible for the appointments to the Commission aside from the legislators, and no Governor appointments have been announced.
|
