Wait for Autism Care Outlasts Bill

Patrick Marley:

Cindy Brimacombe has known for almost two years that her son has autism, but she won't be able to get him the full treatment he needs until next year because of a long waiting list.

Republicans and Democrats in the Legislature both had plans that would have helped Brimacombe and her 3 1/2 -year-old son, Max. But they ended their session last week without a compromise, guaranteeing that nothing will change until next year.

"It's so sad," the Oconomowoc mother said of the stalemate. "It's so sad because these children have so many special gifts. . . . How can you deny these little ones help?"

Such is the nature of a Capitol under split control, where little gets done but lawmakers build up records they can tout on the campaign trail.

Posted by Jim Zellmer at March 17, 2008 5:55 PM
Subscribe to this site via RSS/Atom: Newsletter signup | Send us your ideas