News briefs
March 26
Autism coverage bill moves on
The fight for the inclusion of autism treatment costs by insurance companies won another battle on Monday. Senate Bill 234, the insurance coverage for autism bill sponsored by Kim Gillan (D-Billings), passed the Montana Senate Finance and Claims committee by an 11-8 vote.
The Cotes, of Ronan, have continuously traveled to Helena this session to fight for the bill’s passage, taking up the cause in the name of their 3-year-old son, Decker.
Decker was diagnosed with the condition several years ago, but has responded amazingly well to treatments. He is communicating now, and attending Head Start regularly. But the more than $30,000 it costs the family to continue therapy for Decker has become too much.
Will and Charlie joined with other parents across the state who are struggling to pay for the costs of autism treatment.
“This is huge!,” Charlie said in an e-mail on Monday. In an earlier interview, she said the bill’s passage would “save our lives.”
Next, the bill travels to the House for consideration. To track SB 234, or any legislative bill in the current session, go to leg.mt.gov and click “Track a Bill’s Progress.”
-Reporter Jenna Cederberg
MVA falls on tough times
The Mission Valley Aquatics board is looking to suspended its campaign in the coming months, as economic times have been the reason for a pause in fundraising endeavors.
During Monday night’s meeting the board agreed to apply for the Murdoch Foundation grant after the non-profit organization raises more funds. Dave Coleman, a representative from Murdoch, met with a board members and the board chair said MVA received an “excellent progress report” from him.
Accountant Pat DeVries visited with MVA members and helped refine their accounting skills through a tutorial in Quickbooks and an in-depth conversation about the finances of non-profit organizations.
Discussions on the number of Cases for Support to order were also heard at Monday night’s meeting, as the organization is looking at the most cost efficient quantity.
The board said they will further discuss a time frame for their upcoming fundraising campaign at the next meeting on April 27.
-Reporter Erin Scott
Holien earns broadcaster award
Veteran University of Montana sports broadcaster Mick Holien has been named the 2008 Montana Sportscaster of the Year by the National Sportswriters and Sports Broadcaster Association.
Holien, who has called nearly 800 games and is in his 24th year broadcasting UM events, will receive the award at NSAA’s annual convention in Salisbury, N.C. in May.
He’s broadcasted UM Lady Griz basketball games for eight years and for the past 16 years has described football and men’s’ basketball on the Grizzly Sports Network. Holien has called all six of the UM’s national championship football games as well as the basketball team’s 1995 NIT appearance and the team’s last four NCAA tournament appearances.
Active on numerous civic boards in Polson and Lake County, Holien was nominated for the Chamber of Commerce Ambassador of the Year award in 2008. He also is board chairman and a volunteer for Court Appointed Special Advocates for the Children in Lake County and annually holds fund raising golf tournaments.
He currently is writing his third book about Grizzly football.
- Courtesy of National Sportswriters and Broadcaster Association