JEFFERSON CITY Gov. Jay Nixon approved part of the state budget in Springfield today and touted the increased funding it gives to autism programs for children.

The boost will extend autism services to an additional 375 children through Missouris five Regional Autism Projects. The programs, which aid the skill development of individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder and provide training and support for families, currently serve about 2,500 families across the state.

For more than two decades, thousands of families have been connected with programs and services in their area through our five Regional Autism Projects, but there are still families across Missouri who need help accessing autism services, said Nixon, a Democrat. Thats why, even in a tight budget year, weve worked together to invest an additional $750,000 in these programs to serve an additional 375 children. This funding is another step in our ongoing commitment to making sure that children with autism and their families have access to services they need and deserve.

Nixon signed the Department of Mental Health budget bill that contains the funding increase during a ceremony this afternoon at the Burrell Autism Center, but some Republicans say he is taking credit for their work.

The autism programs' boost was not included in Nixon's spending proposal, but the GOP-led Legislature added it into the final $24 billion budget plan.

This funding increase is vitally important to families all across the state, but it was never a priority for Jay Nixon, said House Budget Committee Chair Ryan Silvey, R-Kansas City. It is the height of arrogance for Jay Nixon to waste taxpayer money and hold a press conference to take credit for something that he never even wanted.

Elizabeth Crisp covers Missouri politics.

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Nixon promotes autism funding