ATTN MA Autism Advocates: Please Contact the Joint Financial Services Committee

10/19/2009 Autism Votes... It's time for lawmakers to listen.  Dear Massachusetts Autism Advocate, Thank you all for contacting your state legislators, asking them to support autism insurance reform legislation in Massachusetts.  As you've already heard, H3809/ARICA, sponsored by State Representative Barbara A. L'Italien (D-42) and State Senator Frederick Berry (D-7), will be heard before the Joint Financial Services Committee this Wednesday, October 21.  This groundbreaking legislation would require health insurers to finally cover evidence-based treatments for people of all ages with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Support from constituents all over the Commonwealth is critical to our success.  Our message should be strong and clear:  Autism is treatable.  Insurance should cover treatment.      Here is How YOU Can Help: 1.  Help us make a lasting first-impression!  Attend the hearing on Wednesday, October 21, 2009 at 11 am. We must pack the room! Make sure to wear red so that our community is easily identified. Bring photographs of your loved one with autism. Joint Financial Services Committee Hearing October 21, 2009 @ 11:00 am  Gardner Auditorium, Massachusetts State House (Information on directions, parking and public transit can be found HERE.) 2.  Come early and attend a press conference regarding H3809/ARICA at 10:00 am in Nurses Hall at the Massachusetts State House.  A strong community presence will send a strong message to the press.  Please be there if you can.    3.  Send an email to the members of the Joint Financial Services Committee and ask them to support passage of H3809/ARICA. You can e-mail them and personalize your story RIGHT HERE. (If you live in the district of any of these legislators, it is particularly critical that you contact them.) Your story matters to them. Be polite and persistent.  Tell them that you need and expect their support. 4.  Forward this e-mail to everyone you know. Friends, neighbors, teachers and family members are so often looking for ways that they can provide support. Please ask them to take a few minutes and contact the members of the Joint Financial Services Committee.  The voices of constituents truly have an impact. 5.  Stay updated minute-by-minute by registering at Autism Votes.   I look forward to seeing you on Wednesday at the hearing!  For additional information, please visit www.autismvotes.org/massachusetts. Warm regards, Judith Ursitti Regional Director of State Advocacy Relations Autism Speaks Take Action Today > DONATE NOW to Autism Votes > Was this email forwarded to you from a friend?  Sign up to receive urgent email alerts from Autism Votes > Visit our website at www.AutismVotes.org > CONNECT with Autism Votes: Autism Votes is an initiative of Autism Speaks

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