LANSING – The House Health Policy Committee today approved legislation introduced by State Representative Kathy Angerer (D-Dundee) to create an income tax checkoff option. This new option provides Michigan residents with a convenient way to voluntarily contribute to a fund that promotes researching the causes and treatment of autism.
"As an increasing number of Michigan families struggle to keep up with the high costs of autism treatment, we are seeing an increase in autism awareness," said Angerer, who is Chair of the House Health Policy Committee. "Under this plan, residents who want to help promote autism research but don't know where to start will have an easy way to contribute to the community."
Checkoff boxes, which allow taxpayers to designate a portion of their tax return, are commonly used on income tax forms. Michigan currently has income tax checkoffs for the Children's Trust Fund, the Children of Veterans Tuition Grant Program and the Military Family Relief Fund. In 2004, 4.4 million taxpayers filed income tax Form 1040, according to the state Department of Treasury.
"This income tax checkoff option provides a convenient way for residents to make a donation to an important cause," Angerer said. "The residents of Michigan have shown time and time again how generous they are, and this voluntary option will allow one more avenue for them to express their generosity."
Autism, which refers to the most common condition in a group of developmental disorders known as autism spectrum disorders, is characterized by difficulties with verbal and nonverbal communication, social interaction and repetitive behaviors. The impact ranges from mild to disabling. Between 2001 and 2006, the number of children in our state's public schools diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder, such as Asperger Syndrome, increased by more than 100 percent, according to the Autism Society of Michigan. Experts estimate that three to six children out of every 1,000 will have autism, according to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.
This plan is part of Angerer's on-going effort to support autism awareness. The Dundee lawmaker recently unveiled a bipartisan plan to require health insurance companies to end their arbitrary exclusion of treatment for autism. Earlier in the year, Angerer organized an autism roundtable to bring together school officials, autism advocacy group leaders and families with autistic children.