New Jersey Legislation

The Record reports:

Taxpayers would be allowed to donate to autism research by checking a box on their state tax returns and families would be have access to more information about programs and treatment options, under bills approved by an Assembly committee today.

Both bills cleared the Assembly Women and Children committee and head to the full Assembly for a vote.

The tax donation measure would create an autism research fund with the money ultimately being distributed by the state Department of Health.

“New Jersey has one of the best systems in the country for identifying, diagnosing and caring for children with Autism Spectrum Disorders. It also has the highest autism rate in the nation – it’s hard to find someone in New Jersey who doesn’t have a family member, friend, or neighbor who faces the challenges of autism,” bill sponsor Assemblyman Jay Webber, R-Morris, said in a statement. “Allowing taxpayers to make voluntary contributions through their income tax returns to help combat this terrible problem is an easy and convenient way to help fund the state’s many exemplary autism programs.”

The other measure would create a “New Jersey Autism Website” to be featured on the state Department of Health web site.

The quality of the state's diagnostic systems, of course, may account for the high reported prevalence of autism.