April 12, 2008
Behavior Modification Plans Needed in Jeff City?
Many of us in the autism community spend a great deal of our time trying to modify behavior: reinforcing desired behaviors and trying to extinguish or replace the undesired ones. It seems that the Missouri state legislature might need some behavior modification plans for their own members. This week, the “undesired behaviors” emerged in Jefferson City, with yelling, screaming, tantrums, and even a little pushing and shoving. And, no, it wasn’t in a special education classroom. The nastiness ensued in the capitol in the House chamber this week, some in the name of autism.
The controversial special needs/autism tax credit bills earned their day of infamy this legislative session when the House took up floor debate over whether the tax credit issue could be tacked on to a larger bill involving teacher salary increases. The House supporters of the tax credit scholarship bill were not successful in their attempt to put the two bills together, as the House voted to strip off the tax credit amendment. The unpleasantries followed with plenty of bitter words all around.
Click here for “real” news articles and coverage
St. Louis Post Dispatch coverage from April 11, 2008
Good news for the legislature: Behavior modification programs are available in Missouri!
Bad news: The providers are few, the waiting lists are LONG and insurance doesn’t cover a penny!
Written by G.K. Luetkemeyer
An “Autism Mom” in the Capitol City
Comments