On March 7, 2008, Florida Governor Charlie Crist announced the creation of the Task Force on Autism Spectrum Disorders; Autism Speaks' Vice President of Government Affairs Elizabeth Emken has been appointed to the task force. The task force, made up of leaders in autism advocacy and treatment, health care practitioners, and family members of persons with autism, will work to address the growing health crisis that autism represents through coordinating efforts and setting a proactive agenda. The task force will submit a final report to the Governor by March 20, 2009. Read more.