FEAT DAILY NEWSLETTER Sacramento, California http://www.feat.org
M.I.N.D. Institute Autism Research Funding Revs-up to $105 Million
Governor Gray Davis of California yesterday presented his fiscal year
2001-2002 State Budget and in it is some very good news for families with
autism reports autism research advocate Rick Rollens. California plans to
rev up its commitment to autism research by adding $64 million to the
funding of the M.I.N.D. Institute of UC Davis for the next four years, for a
total of $105 million of state support over seven. The original goal of
Sacramento parents behind the inspiration and creation of the M.I.N.D.
Institute was to raise $100 Million for autism research over 10 years.
"The new funding represents both one-time and ongoing commitments,"
explains Rollens, "the $41 million previously granted to the M.I.N.D.
Institute since July of 1998 came as a result of the support and dedication
of Senate President Pro-Tem John Burton (D-San Francisco) as well as the
Governor" after it was brought their attention by reports from the
Department of Developmental Service (DDS) of the exploding increase in
childhood autism across the state.
For the new funding, the Governor wants to see $16 million of it going
to biomarker research, which will allow scientists to fully investigate at
birth and post birth biomarkers, as well as understand the interaction of
genes -- and environmental factors, such as vaccines, in the development of
autism and other neurological disorders. The Governor is also requesting
that millions be spent on research related to "animal models, immunology,
molecular biology, and genetics."
Featured in all the Budget documents released by the Governor's Office
are numerous highlighted references relating to the M.I.N.D. Institute,
reflecting the Governor's firm commitment to the center.
"I have had the privilege of knowing and working closely with both
Governor Davis and Senator Burton for over 25 years," continues Rollens, "I
am overwhelmed by their commitment to our children. We are eternally
grateful to Governor Davis and President Pro-Tem John Burton for their
unwavering support of our efforts to discover the causes of autism and
pursuing the development of effective treatments and a cure for our beloved
children."
In a related item, Rollens also said that new DDS numbers were about
to come out showing 566 new kids diagnosed with core autism over the last
quarter of year 2000, continuing at the rate of 6 new ASD children per day
entering into the state's Regional Center systems. "In 1994, which wasn't
that long ago," he points out, "the number was 667 new cases for the whole
year."
Source: FEAT Daily Newsletter
