Gov. Nixon proposes $5 million to expand autism center in Columbia
Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon traveled to Columbia on Friday morning to announce that his proposed Fiscal Year 2017 budget will include $5 million to expand the Thompson Center for Autism.
The Democratic Governor was joined by advocates, parents and caregivers at the facility, which is on Portland Street in Columbia. Nixon says his proposed budget will include historic investments in services for Missourians with developmental disabilities.
Nixon told reporters the expansion will allow the Thompson Center to accommodate an extra 2,000 visits annually by expanding dedicated research and training space. He says the funding would also train 100 more providers in the next five years to alleviate the shortage of autism services in Missouri.
“Here in Missouri, we believe that all children – including those with autism – deserve the opportunity to live up to their God-given potential,” Nixon said.
MU Interim Chancellor Hank Foley, who joined Nixon at Friday’s announcement, says as more children are diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders, “the demand for the life-changing services provided at the Thompson Center continues to grow.”
Nixon will formally unveil his FY 2017 budget blueprint on Wednesday evening during his final State of the State. Nixon will address a joint session of the Missouri Legislature in Jefferson City.
Nixon says his proposed budget would also invest $131 million in additional state and federal funding for the Missouri Department of Mental Health’s Division of Developmental Disabilities.
Under the Missouri Constitution, the Legislature must approve the state budget by early May.
House Speaker Todd Richardson, R-Poplar Bluff, will deliver the GOP response on Wednesday evening.
In 2010, Nixon worked with then-Speaker Ron Richard, R-Joplin, and then-State Sen. Scott Rupp, R-Wentzville, to pass bipartisan legislation mandating the coverage of autism diagnosis and treatment. Richard is now the Missouri Senate President Pro Tem.
