Government Relations Activities and Objectives

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Autism Speaks believes the federal government must play a significant role in research into the cause, treatment, and ultimately a cure for autism, provide relief to families now through treatment, support services and best practices identification, and extend financial relief through autism insurance mandates and directed tax relief.

The Autism Speaks' Legislative Agenda includes:

• Support of the Expanding the Promise of Individuals with Autism Act (EPIAA), a bill designed to provide demonstration grants for autism treatment and services.
  
  
• Support of the Disability Savings Act of 2008, a bill that will provide a tax-preferred savings benefit for disability related expenses.
  
  
• Undertake a multi-state insurance legislation campaign in an effort to change insurance laws and require coverage of medically necessary autism services.
  
  
• Support an increase for autism research in the Fiscal 2009 Department of Defense Appropriations bill.
  
  
• Establish educational outreach to the policy staffs of all major party candidates for President in 2008