CARA Update: Action Looms

Peggy Clifford writes at The Santa Monica Patch:

We have less than 30 days to convince Congress that it must pass the
Combating Autism Reauthorization Act, S. 1094.

$693 million of dedicated autism research funding and vital funding for the Autism Treatment Network (ATN) hangs in the balance.

California’s Autism Treatment Network Centers are in jeopardy of losing
federal funding. The centers not only provide treatment for thousands of
people with autism, they are striving to establish a standardized protocol for physicians who treat both children and adults with autism along with their comorbid medical conditions such as gastrointestinal and sleep problems.

Call Rep. Henry Waxman, one of the most influential members of Congress,
today and ask him to use his considerable clout to ensure that Congress passes the Combating Autism Reauthorization Act — HR 2005. His
phone number is (202) 225-3976

One in every 110 children is diagnosed with autism now. The bill is budget
neutral and its reauthorization is vital.

After you contact the Congressman, send an email to our action center, and
also spread the word on Facebook, ask all your friends to contact their own
members of Congress and ask them to support and cosponsor the Combating Autism Reauthorization Act of 2011 – HR 2005, as the funding for the California Autism Treatment Network Centers is in jeopardy if the bill is not renewed by September 30.

LINK TO: www.autismvotes.org/CARA-ATN.

To learn more about the Combating Autism Reauthorization Act, please visit our CARA Action Center. The next 30 days are critical. We also need your help in ensuring that Senators Barbara Boxer and Dianne Feinstein actively support the reauthorization.

Autism Votes is an initiative of Autism Speaks. Become an Autism Votes Advocate. For more information on Autism Votes, please visit www.autismvotes.org.