Gov. Pritzker Issues Proclamation Recognizing April 2019 as Autism Awareness Month

Springfield, Ill. — At a World Autism Day rally in the Capitol Rotunda, Gov. Pritzker recognized April 2019 as Autism Awareness Month.
 
The following are the governor's remarks as prepared for delivery:
 
Thank you, Stephanie, for the kind introduction and to the Autism Society of Southern Illinois for bringing us together today. It's wonderful to be with a passionate group of advocates on such an important day.
 
In a few moments, I will sign a proclamation officially making April 2019 Autism Awareness Month in the state of Illinois.
 
I believe to my core that we have an obligation as a state to make sure that every Illinoisan has the tools they need to thrive and the opportunities to do so. That means ensuring the opportunity to lead full, independent lives and to follow your talents wherever they may lead.
 
For the 2 million Americans living with Autism Spectrum Disorder — which includes one in every 59 children — that means raising awareness, building acceptance and investing in proven programs that improve lives.
 
We need to nurture and support the programs that nurture and support our people. We've seen what happens when funding is cut and people are forgotten. Those days are over.
 
Our state has entered a new era of governance, a new era of stability and a new era of compassion.
 
About a month ago, I put forward a balanced budget proposal that makes smart investments in our people and puts us on a path to getting our fiscal house in order.
 
In my budget address to the General Assembly, I said, "this budget proposal reflects some of my most deeply held values."
 
You see, a budget is not just numbers on a spreadsheet. A budget is a moral document - a reflection of who we Illinoisans are and what we stand for.
 
The people of Illinois believe that every person deserves the opportunity to succeed.
 
That means we must support critical treatment programs that put people on a path to a better future — and my budget begins to do just that.
 
My budget proposes investing in our people and in the most critically needed services - like those on the PUNS waiting list, which includes many Illinoisans with autism spectrum disorders. I've been in office 71 days and we've already notified 1,000 people that they will receive the services that they have asked for and that they critically need, and we expect to be able to notify another 1,000 in the fall.
 
In addition, we are putting another $7 million into Early Intervention programs across the state. That means 700 more children from birth to three will have the support they need - including children with autism. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential for those affected by autism spectrum disorder, and I will always strive to make sure our health care system works for children and adults with autism.
 
We can change outcomes for so many of our children and allow them to reach their full potential.
 
And my administration will invest in and use DHS' autism task force as a vehicle for people with autism and for their families and community members to have a voice in policy-making, improving services and quality of life and well-being.
 
So to everyone here that's ready to make a difference, know that I stand with you, my administration is with and our entire state is with you.
 
Let's keep fighting to build a state that accepts, understands and loves all people, no matter their background or ability.