Thompson: Autism Insurance Coverage Bill a "Top Priority" in Senate

Submitted by State Senator Bruce Thompson (R-White)

The second week of business in the state Senate concluded with a unanimous, bi-partisan vote. Senate Bill 1, sponsored by Senator Charlie Bethel helps children with autism get health insurance coverage. This bill is an important step in the battle for health insurance for children with conditions on the autism spectrum disorder.

SB 1 is a top priority for the Senate Majority Caucus this legislative session because autism is affecting more and more Georgians. The most recent estimates say as many as 1 in 64 children are diagnosed on the autism spectrum. The treatment these children need is expensive for their families, crucial to the development and important for the health of our society.

Children with autism who are unable to get treatment, speech therapy and social development often fall behind in school, require special attention and have trouble interacting with other kids. Brilliant, beautiful young minds with abilities to great work for years to come need a little help to make sure that they can have a happy childhood and embrace what makes them special as individuals.

Another important measure to the caucus and to me is Senate Bill 2 sponsored by Senator Lindsey Tippins and inspired by Lieutenant Governor Casey Cagle’s work with college and career academies. This bill makes a lot of sense to me for several reasons:

• First, if a student wants to excel and achieve above the minimum education standards, the law should be on their side.
• Second, if a student wants to accelerate their education to limit student loan debt or increase earning potential, these ambitious young students should be celebrated.
• Third, when students look to enter Georgia’s workforce in high-demand careers, Georgia’s economy continues to grow. As legislators who work in the number one state to do business, economic development is our business.

Yesterday (Feb. 3), the Senate passed Senate Bill 2 with another unanimous vote. I am proud of my colleagues and the leadership of the Senate for putting forth two good bills that help the children of our state.