Today, in a cynical display of political posturing and partisanship that exploits the tragic situation of Virginians with autism spectrum disorder, the following House Democrats voted against a measure that would have provided tangible financial assistance to children with autism spectrum disorder, allowing them to obtain the special educational services they need:

Amundson
BaCote
Bouchard
Bowling
Brink
Bulova
Caputo
Ebbin
Eisenberg
Englin
Herring
Marsden
Mathieson
Morrissey
Nichols
Phillips
Plum
Shannon
Shuler
Tyler
Vanderhye
Watts

In a display of hypocrisy and blatant partisan posturing, these Democrats voted against House Bill 2104 without offering any justification for their opposition.  HB 2104 establishes a tuition assistance grant program that would allow the parents of students with autism to pursue individualized educational programs that best meet the needs of their child.  HB 2104 was moved further towards final passage in a bipartisan vote of 58 to 33.

The partisan motive of their no vote on HB 2104 is made patently obvious given their vote earlier in the day in favor of an extraordinary procedural maneuver on a related matter that failed by a bipartisan vote of 63-32.

When these Democrats had the chance to actually help Virginia’s children with developmental disabilities, they cynically voted NO, further clarifying their motive to exploit this important and sensitive issue, and the parents and children who are seeking real help, for purely political purposes.

Please contact these Democrats and tell them to stop playing political games with the lives and hopes of Virginians with autism.