Richard Ball

District 85, Bennington Twp.

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HOUSE PANEL APPROVES REP. BALL BILL TO PROMOTE AUTISM RESEARCH

March 31, 2009

Michigan taxpayers can conveniently donate money to help fund autism research under legislation unanimously approved today by the House Health Policy Committee that creates a voluntary check-off on state income tax returns.

House Bill 4475, introduced by Rep. Dick Ball, is part of a bipartisan package creating the Autism Research Fund, to be used specifically to promote autism research in Michigan and provide grants to hospitals, universities and other organizations.

"An income tax check-off creates a stable funding mechanism that will advance autism research and help Michigan families affected by the disorder," said Ball, of Bennington Township. "The check-off empowers taxpayers to help the growing number of children who have autism."

Autism is a severe developmental disorder that impairs social interaction and communication, and causes restricted and repetitive behavior. Once considered a rare disorder, the rate of autism has increased exponentially around the world since the early 1990s.

"The money generated by the new tax check-off would fund Michigan-based autism research efforts in the hopes of learning more about this debilitating disorder," Ball said. "With proper funding, our world-class hospitals and universities could help determine why we are seeing such an increase in cases, and more importantly, find more effective treatments."

HB 4475 now goes to the full House for consideration.

Ball honored for working to improve health care

State Rep. Dick Ball has been honored by several statewide advocacy groups for his personal sacrifice and commitment to improve the quality of life for Michigan senior citizens.

M-21 renamed to honor local Marine

M-21 in Shiawassee County is now designated the "PFC. Harold R. Cooley-WWII Marine Corps League Memorial Highway" under legislation signed into law, state Rep. Dick Ball announced today.

Mid-Michigan lawmakers vote against new State Police headquarters

Mid-Michigan House Republican lawmakers today voted against allocating millions of taxpayer dollars to fund a controversial new Michigan State Police headquarters in downtown Lansing.

Ball attends check presentation in Lennon

State Rep. Dick Ball attended a special check presentation ceremony in Lennon today to announce a $66,680 grant to the village of Lennon to make sewer system upgrades needed to expand Alderman's Inc.

Governor signs bill to streamline government

Certified public accountants can now legally conduct annual county government audits after the governor signed legislation introduced by Rep. Dick Ball that improves state government efficiency and saves costs.

Ball donates portion of pay to local charities

State Rep. Dick Ball will donate six days of his legislative salary to Shiawassee County nonprofits in unity with the thousands of state employees who are being forced to take unpaid furlough days to help balance the state budget.

Health care companies will cover autism treatment under Ball bill

Michigan families affected by autism will have much greater access to needed health care under legislation approved Wednesday by the Michigan House that requires health care companies to cover treatment for autism spectrum disorders, state Rep. Dick Ball announced.

Rep. Ball honored by statewide school group

State Rep. Dick Ball has been selected to receive the Education Fellows Award from the Michigan Association of Intermediate School Administrators for his work to improve the state's public school system.

Ball wants health care benefits reduced for state lawmakers

State Rep. Dick Ball has introduced legislation to reduce retirement health care benefits for state lawmakers, including himself.

House OKs Ball bill to streamline government

The Michigan House today unanimously approved legislation by Rep. Dick Ball that improves state government efficiency and saves costs by allowing certified public accountants to conduct annual county government audits.

CONTACT INFO

LANSING OFFICE
We are located in the:
Anderson House Office Bldg.
S-1189 House Office Building
Lansing, MI 48933

MAILING ADDRESS
S-1189 House Office Building
P.O. Box 30014
Lansing, MI 48933

Phone: (517) 373-0841
Toll Free: (877) 558-5426

Email: Click here