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M.I.N.D. Institute Autism Research Funding Revs-up to $105 Million

Governor Gray Davis of California yesterday presented his fiscal year 2001-2002 State Budget and in it is some very good news for families with autism reports autism research advocate Rick Rollens.  California plans to rev up its commitment to autism research by adding $64 million to the funding of the M.I.N.D. Institute of UC Davis for the next four years, for a total of $105 million of state support over seven.  The original goal of
Sacramento parents behind the inspiration and creation of the M.I.N.D. Institute was to raise $100 Million for autism research over 10 years.

"The new funding represents both one-time and ongoing commitments," explains Rollens, "the $41 million previously granted to the M.I.N.D. Institute since July of 1998 came as a result of the support and dedication of Senate President Pro-Tem John Burton (D-San Francisco) as well as the Governor" after it was brought their attention by reports from the Department of Developmental Service (DDS) of the exploding increase in  childhood autism across the state.

For the new funding, the Governor wants to see $16 million of it going to biomarker research, which will allow scientists to fully investigate at birth and post birth biomarkers, as well as understand the interaction of genes -- and environmental factors, such as vaccines, in the development of autism and other neurological disorders. The Governor is also requesting that millions be spent on research related to "animal models, immunology, molecular biology, and genetics."

Featured in all the Budget documents released by the Governor's Office are numerous highlighted references relating to the M.I.N.D. Institute, reflecting the Governor's firm commitment to the center.    "I have had the privilege of knowing and working closely with both  Governor Davis and Senator Burton for over 25 years," continues Rollens,
"I  am overwhelmed by their commitment to our children. We are eternally grateful to Governor Davis and President Pro-Tem John Burton for their unwavering support of our efforts to discover the causes of autism and pursuing the development of effective treatments and a cure for our beloved children."

In a related item, Rollens also said that new DDS numbers were about to come out

showing 566 new kids diagnosed with core autism over the last quarter of year 2000, continuing at the rate of 6 new ASD children per day entering into the state's Regional Center systems.  "In 1994, which wasn't that long ago," he points out,  "the number was 667 new cases for the whole year."

 

Breaking News Archives - each day's breaking news from December 1, 2003 (check here for breaking news you might have missed and breaking news that didn't ever hit the "front page")

More News - all the news most recently posted on this website

All the News - a running tab of everything posted on this website since October 29, 2003

Top Stories Archives - daily breaking and other important news stories

Daily News Archives - all the news posted on this website each day (from April 2001)

Hot Topics - selected stories, by category

Return to Vaccination News Home Page (for best results, right click to "open in new window")

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