Governor should free autism funds

In honor of Autism Awareness Month in April, I strongly urge the governor to release $2.5 million to The Autism Program of Illinois, or TAP.

During the FY08 budget negotiations, the General Assembly approved to increase the TAP's funding from $2.5 million to $10 million. However, the governor reduced the amount to $5 million through the amendatory veto process.

Unfortunately, TAP has yet to see any of the additional $2.5 million that we approved and to which the governor agreed. The money has been placed on hold by the governor's Office of Management and Budget.

TAP provides training, support and coordinates resources for Illinois families coping with Autism Spectrum Disorder, or ASD.

The network impacts 16,000 families each year.

TAP has also formed strong partnerships with universities and community-based organizations such as Little City Foundation in Palatine.

Even though TAP has not yet received the funding, the organization has hired more staff, trained health care providers and parents and performed diagnostic and referral services for families.

TAP desperately needs this funding and I urge the governor to release the money so Illinois families can continue to be served by this worthy organization.

State Rep. Suzie Bassi

Palatine