2020 First Extraordinary Session ENROLLED
SENATE CONCURRENT RESOL UTION NO. 23
BY SENATORS FOIL, ABRAHAM, BARROW, BERNARD, BOUDREAUX, BOUIE,
CARTER, CATHEY, CLOUD, CORTEZ, FESI, FIELDS, HARRIS,
HENRY, HEWITT, JACKSON, JOHNS, LUNEAU, MCMATH,
MILLIGAN, FRED MILLS, ROBERT MILLS, MORRIS, PEACOCK,
POPE, PRICE, REESE, SMITH, TARVER, WARD, WHITE AND
WOMACK
A CONCURRENT RESOL UTION
To declare April 2nd as World Autism Awareness Day in Louisiana, annually.
WHEREAS, World Autism Awareness Day is an internationally recognized day
proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly to be April 2nd each year, beginning
in 2008, having been adopted in December 2007; and
WHEREAS, this is a tribute to the millions of Americans living with autism
spectrum disorder, or ASD, in recognition of the numerous triumphs over many and varied
obstacles which are a testament to the strength and resolve of those diagnosed with the
disorder, their supportive families, their millions of caretakers, and those who offer
unwavering support and encouragement; and
WHEREAS, those millions of Americans diagnosed with a condition that places
them on the autism spectrum, a neurological and developmental disorder that affects
communication and behavior, have benefitted from ongoing research, both neurological and
behavioral which have developed healthy interactive behaviors, helping those affected to
understand both verbal and nonverbal communication; and
WHEREAS, autism is an urgent public health crisis that demands support from all
levels of government; and
WHEREAS, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one in
fifty-nine school-aged children identify on the autism spectrum, therefore, the nation cannot
waiver from its course of committing to ensuring that people living with autism have access
to the lifelong care and services needed to pursue their full potential and happiness; and
WHEREAS, with so many school-aged children being identified as having ASD,
over five hundred thousand young people will become adults with autism in the next few
years, and both the nation and individual states and localities must stand ready to assist these
young people in successfully transitioning to rewarding careers and fulfilling adult lives; and
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WHEREAS, the recently reenacted Autism CARES Act is federal legislation
approving a five-year allocation to research for developing new treatments and therapies and
to enhance services for those with Autism Spectrum Disorder throughout their lives, an
ongoing commitment to these citizens; and
WHEREAS, the legislation also expanded the Interagency Autism Coordinating
Committee to include representatives from seventeen federal agencies and stakeholders from
the autism community, and the enhanced public-private partnerships made possible by these
efforts continue to provide support to those with autism and represents that continuing
commitment to these citizens; and
WHEREAS, through the federal Department of Labor's Youth Policy Development
Center and the Apprenticeship Inclusion Model initiative, the nation is providing expanding
opportunities for Americans with ASD to develop high-demand skills that pair with
good-paying jobs in order to guarantee a successful path to economic security through
adulthood for those with ASD; and
WHEREAS, Louisiana stands with the national and international ASD communities,
particularly by way of joining in this international recognition, to uphold our resolve to work
to promote more meaningful connections of respect and to build a society where everyone
has the opportunity to succeed, offering the promise of a chance to succeed independently.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Legislature of Louisiana does hereby
declare April 2nd as World Autism Awareness Day in Louisiana, annually.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this Resolution be transmitted to the
Autism Society Louisiana State Chapter, Inc. (LSAC).
PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE
SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
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