George Bush doesn't care about people with autism

[PA Democrat]

If you know anyone who has a family member with autism and votes Republican, you may want to share this article from the Autism Society of America with them.

President Bush Announces FY 2009 Budget Priorities
Thursday, February 14, 2008
By: Carin Yavorcik

Plan proposes cuts to research and services
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The president’s budget provides no new funding for the Combating Autism Act, and level-funds or cuts many important autism and disability-related programs. Specifically, the Administration’s budget provides only $16.1 million for the CDC’s autism program - a 0.5 percent cut from last year, and almost $2 million less than the amount recommended under the Combating Autism Act. The budget also provides no new increases for autism research at the National Institutes of Health or autism programs at the Department of Health and Human Services Health Resources and Services Administration.

The proposed budget also calls for the elimination of the Supported Employment State Grant program, cuts funding for the Office of Disability and Employment Policy by more than half, reduces programs for supported housing for people with disabilities by 30 percent, and proposes more than $17.3 billion in cuts to Medicaid, most of which will be shifted to the states.

The president’s plan increases IDEA funding by $337 million; however, the proposed level of $11.3 billion is $10.2 billion short of the amount called for by the authorizing legislation enacted in 2004. The Institute of Education Sciences funding for special education studies and evaluations was cut from $11 million to $9 million.

The Administration’s budget is only the first step in the lengthy appropriations process, as Congress will respond with its draft of a budget highlighting its priorities. Furthermore, in this year of highly charged presidential politics, many of the more controversial proposals and reductions will fall by the wayside.

More at:

http://www.autism-society.org/site/News2?page=NewsArticle&id=10648

[iconoclastic cat]

1. He'd just say it is the most liberal city in Texas. nt

[spinbaby]

2. Bush doesn't care about people

With or without autism.

[Demeter]

3. Exactly! And If That Means the Cronies Aren't People, More So!