KHI NEWS SERVICE
TOPEKA, June 25
The state”s new Autism Task Force is taking shape with legislative appointments now complete.
House Speaker Melvin Neufeld announced Monday that he has appointed Rep. Judy Morrison, R-Shawnee; Jeanie Zortman, a Dodge City parent of a child with autism; Dee McKee,
principal of Heartspring School in Wichita; and Dr. Kathryn Ellerbeck, assistant professor of pediatrics at the Center for Child Health and Development at the University of Kansas Medical Center.
“There is a growing concern in our state about the increasing number of autistic children in Kansas. This task force will work to learn about the issues surrounding this condition as well as the needs of and the services available for persons with autism,” Neufeld said.
House Minority Leader Dennis McKinney, D-Greensburg, has appointed Rep. Melody McCray-Miller, D-Wichita; Yeyette Houfek, a parent of an autistic child from Hays; and Matthew Reese, a psychologist from the Center for Child Health and Development at the University of Kansas Medical Center, said Stefanie Graves, McKinney”s communications director.
Senate Minority Leader Anthony Henley, D-Topeka, has appointed Sen. Donald Betts, D-Wichita; Tracy Lee of Oskaloosa, who teaches autistic children in the Topeka School District; and Dr. Michael Wasmer of Olathe, a parent of an autistic child and the president of the Kansas Coalition for Autism.
Also appointed to the task force by Senate President Steve Morris were Dr. Linda Heitzman-Powell; Sen. Julia Lynn. R-Olathe; Dr. Martin Maldonado; and Nan Perrin.
The task force, created by the 2007 Legislature, will study and conduct hearings on the issues relating to, the needs of and services available for persons with autism.
Members are to submit a preliminary report to the legislative Education Planning Committee on or before Nov. 15, 2007 and a final report on or before Nov. 15, 2008.
The reports shall include recommendations for legislative changes.
Appointments to the 20-member task force will also be made by the governor, who will appoint four members; the insurance commissioner, who appoints one member, and parents of autistic children, who will choose one member.
The secretaries of the departments of health and environment and social and rehabilitation services, the commissioner of education, and the chief administrative officer of the Capper Foundation Easter Seals will serve as ex officio members.