The rate of autism among American children has grown steadily over the past three decades, but advocates say funding support is not keeping up with the need for services. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports one in 30 eight-year-old children is diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, up 52% from 2017 and 178% since 2000. Health and social service advocates say early intervention is helping more Illinois children with the developmental disease, but insurance and other assistance plans need to be improved. .
North Dakota lawmakers are scheduled to return to Bismarck early next month. They ll hear calls to help older residents, with the cost of prescription drugs at the top of the list. State lawmakers debated how to deal with rising costs during the last session, including the adoption of a price transparency program. .
Pennsylvania advocacy groups will gather on the State Capitol steps for a "Fix Harrisburg" rally on Jan. 3, the first day the General Assembly is in its new session, calling for changes to legislative rules. A recent report by the group Fair Districts P-A found 93% of the bills introduced during the last session have yet to be scheduled for a final vote. .
A handful of sites seemed inadequate in size or scope to handle the high number of voters, or the process included limitations including running out of pre-printed paper ballots, the report said.