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Mayer/Voss/Whelan Autism Funding Extension Signed Into Law
By teel
MAYER/VOSS/WHELAN AUTISM FUNDING EXTENSION SIGNED INTO LAW
(WEST WINDSOR) - Legislation Assembly members David R. Mayer, Joan Voss, and Jim Whelan sponsored to extend the life of a funding mechanism for autism medical research and treatment was enacted into law today by Governor Jon S. Corzine.
The measure (A-4059) eliminates the five-year sunset provision in a 2003 law that established a $1 surcharge on motor vehicle violations in the state as a revenue-raising mechanism for the New Jersey's Autism Medical Research and Treatment Fund.
"More than ever, New Jersey needs to muster more attention and resources to help families, school districts, communities, and health care providers to deal with the challenge of rising autism diagnosis rates," said Assemblyman Mayer (D-Gloucester/Camden).
The surcharge reauthorization law was part of a sweeping legislative package Assembly Speaker Joseph J. Roberts, Jr. (D-Camden) crafted to improve the detection, treatment, and public awareness of autism in New Jersey. The Governor signed elements of the package into law at the Eden Institute, a non-profit autism service agency in Mercer County.
The Roberts package was announced after the Center for Disease Control and Prevention released a study in February that identified New Jersey as having the nation's highest rate of autism - one of out of 94 children.
"In light of the growing numbers of children and adults classified with autism we need to marshal more resources than ever before in our state's history," said Assemblywoman Voss (D-Bergen).
"By providing funding that is dedicated to the research and treatment of autism, New Jersey can guarantee that it will remain a leader in providing care, assistance, and education to those with autism," said Assemblyman Whelan (D-Atlantic).
The Autism Medical Research and Treatment Fund currently generates $4 million for autism, research, treatment, and awareness. It provides funding for the grant-and contract-awarding activity of the Governor's Council for Medical Research and Treatment of Infantile Autism.
If the fund's revenue-raising mechanism - the $1 motor vehicle surcharge - were to expire, then the state would be left without a pivotal stream of fiscal support for autism programs. The surcharge was scheduled to expire in 2008.
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