Nance: Autism, Job Creation, In the District

"All that is valuable in human society depends upon the opportunity for development accorded the individual." –Albert Einstein

Autism

HCS HB 1311 passed the house this week and would require that health insurance carriers (that issue or renew health benefit plans on or after August 28, 2010) provide coverage for the diagnosis and treatment of autism spectrum disorders.

The act prohibits health insurance carriers from denying or refusing to issue coverage on, refuse to contract with, or refuse to renew or refuse to reissue or otherwise terminating or restricting coverage on an individual or their dependent because the individual is diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder.

Coverage under the act is limited to treatment that is ordered by the insured's treating licensed physician or licensed psychologist, in accordance with a treatment plan. It is time that Autism is treated as a neurological disease. Early intervention is the key.

Unfortunately, this will only cover about 30% of the state's autism spectrum disorder persons.

House Passes Bill Focusing on Job Creation

The House of Representatives has worked to improve economic development in the state of Missouri.  In recent months, however, the focus on job creation has been even stronger due to our economic downturn.  Putting our citizens back to work is a top priority in the House and we are passionate about our focus which is to create jobs, retain the jobs we already have in place and working to attract new business to our state.

This week we took a large step by passing HB 1675, which takes measures to improve and protect Missouri's business climate.

This particular bill focuses on creating and maintaining jobs in our state by targeting two groups: Manufacturing Employers as well as Manufacturing Suppliers.  If manufacturing employers create new jobs, they get a tax rebate while doing so.

The bill does give incentives that would keep or add jobs to the automotive industry. Locally, that would affect Ford Motor Company in Claycomo and many manufacturers that supply Ford. By no means does it apply to only the auto industry.

In the District

The Northland Coalition held an appreciation breakfast for volunteers on Friday. I participated with a class on the legislative process.

Congressman Roy Blunt and State Senator Bill Stouffer stopped at Jeffery Kyle's in Richmond on Friday to visit with citizens.

Hardin's United Methodist Church raised funds for the volunteer fire department on Saturday through an appreciation lunch. I was the guest speaker and it gave me an opportunity to share my stories of what volunteers meant to Excelsior Springs in the 50's and 60's. As many of you know, my dad was a volunteer firefighter.

Masonic Lodge 57 of Richmond held a fundraiser on Saturday. I was able to use my expertise in serving and dishwashing.