ArbonneLady
Registered: 02/23/08
Posts: 26
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Reply with quote | #16 |
As always, it's inspiring and comforting to hear from Charlie and Will. I have been convinced many times of God's faithfulness...but the wisdom we can all gain through the trials of one another are a true blessing. Thank you Charlie for the post...and everyone who contributed. I agree with "Stace", this was a fantastic way to end a hectic day. I am blessed to be intertwined with each of you on this lovely path toward Victory in Christ. That's what I continue to pray over Decker... VICTORY!
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coteranch
Registered: 07/15/08
Posts: 76
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Reply with quote | #17 |
Thanks everybody for your support! We went to Helena Wednesday and testified before the Senate asking them to pass SB 234! What a powerful experience and emotional day. I do believe that we made an impact. Seven of us went over to represent "team Decker" and I feel did a great job. Please take time to thank Ronan Dodge for letting us borrow their van! Their support is always appreciated. I got to speak as well as one of Decker's teachers but the best was my husband Will. He was the only Dad that got up to speak and what he said was so powerful. There wasn't a dry eye in the house. I am so proud of him! The Senate Business Committee has not yet voted so your voice is still useful. Please take time to email these Senators asking them to "do pass" SB 234. This will require insurance companies to pay for Autism treatment so that people like us can survive this disorder and give their kids the intervention they need. You can either use the mt.gov website to send messages to them or send them an email although, some do not have email addresses listed. Here are most of the addresses: I believe Senator Peterson was the only one that was not in attendance. You will need to send a message to Senator Keane via the state website since he doesn't have email. And don't forget to ask them to vote "do-pass" on SB 234. Again, thank you Mission Valley for your support and prayers. We felt like we were not only representing Decker and other children with Autism, but like we were representing you as well. As you have been an integral part of D's success! Charlie Cote Big D's Mama |
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coteranch
Registered: 07/15/08
Posts: 76
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Reply with quote | #18 |
Please keep your eyes peeled for an article on Decker in the Missoulian. This is such a timely issue with the current political issues and the growing numbers in Autism. |
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coteranch
Registered: 07/15/08
Posts: 76
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Reply with quote | #19 |
Hey Mission Valley!! Please check out the cover story on D in today's Missoulian! http://www.missoulian.com Also, please note the sidebar article regarding SB 234 and the 2 1/2 minute video of D in the classroom. Thanks again for your continued support of our son and helping us raise Autism awareness! |
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saddlebredrider
Registered: 02/21/08
Posts: 8
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Reply with quote | #20 |
As I entered the law school library this morning I happened to get to the Missoulian before the onslaught of media hungry, study weary, red-eyed, masses! As I stared at the awesome picture of D, his momma and Raelynn, my heart began to pound so hard I thought I would disturb silence of the hallowed halls of law...Anway, I began reading the article and as I moved through the words so eloquently written, my eyes begin to fill with tears, my sinus begin to flood, and before I know it...I'm full on bawlin' in the law library! Understand these were not tears of sadness but of joy!! God has taken this families devastation and manifested it into a bright shining light that will guide others who are stepping onto the path behind them! Their willingness and courage to speak out about Autism Awareness is truly a gift that we as supporting members of society should not take for granted.
Chuck,
I am proud of yours and Will's strength, determination, and unresounding love you have for your family. You and Will traveling to Helena last week to promote Brandon's Bill before a legislative committe is no small task. Many would have folded at the thought of taking their fight to a legislative level, but through perseverence and love - together you are achieving many milestones that will not only benefit D, but those receiving similar news about their own child. Thank you both for all that you do and may God continue to open doors for you to walk through to share your testimony. I love you!
Stace
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insider
Registered: 08/12/07
Posts: 41
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Reply with quote | #21 |
WHAT AN AMAZONG ARTICLE. I WAS NOT AWARE OF ALL THAT GOES INTO A DAY IN DECKERS LIFE. I THOUGHT THAT I WAS BUSY. WHAT AND AMAZING LITTLE BOY WITH A STRENGTH GREATER THAN MOST GROWN MEN. IT MAKES ME THINK ABOUT THE LITTLE THINGS EVERYDAY WITH MY OWN CHILDREN THAT I TAKE FOR GRANTED. I LOOK FORWARD TO HEARING MORE OF THE UPDATES ON DECKER.
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coteranch
Registered: 07/15/08
Posts: 76
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Reply with quote | #22 |
Exciting News!! The Senate Business Committee voted this morning and SB 234 passed the committee by one vote!! We are so excited!! Thank you to everyone who wrote to the Senators, our voice really does get heard and there is strength in numbers. This is such a victory for Decker and our family and hopefully for many more. We will keep everyone up to speed on what our next action will be. We now need to pass the Senate floor. Keep praying! Thank you! |
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coteranch
Registered: 07/15/08
Posts: 76
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Reply with quote | #23 |
Hey Mission Valley!! What you CAN do right now is get on the phone to all of our local legislators and voice your opinion in support of SB 234!! It is very important that they are flooded with support and that it comes from us. They need to hear interest from their district!! It is possible for this to go before senate as early as the beginning of next week! Don't wait!! Contact us with any questions!
coteranch@ronan.net
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DianeTorres
Registered: 01/27/09
Posts: 6
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Reply with quote | #24 |
Attention MISSION VALLEY!!! I am writing via my Mom's computer. It is crunch time! If you have ever asked yourself, "What can I do?", here it is!!! It is so important that everyone call and email our Senators!!! Please take time to do it today! Ask them to vote YES on SB 234. If you can, email and call everyday until they vote. It is especially important to focus on Republicans as they will be apt to vote no. This bill would create a state mandate that would require insurance companies to cover the costs of Autism treatment. This is an economical and sensible solutation to a fast growing problem. If you have questions regarding the details of this issue, do not hesitate to contact us. I could not be more passionate about this issue and feel honored to have such a wonderful community supporting my son!
Charlie Cote
676-0103
207-4049
coteranch@ronan.net
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coteranch
Registered: 07/15/08
Posts: 76
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Reply with quote | #25 |
Attention everyone!! It is crunch time. SB 234 will be up for debate on the Senate Floor tomorrow afternoon. Please make one more phone call or email in support of this bill. If you have questions on what you can do or what you need to say, contact us. coteranch@ronan.net Basically you can say, hello I'm Joe Schmoe from Ronan MT, I am urging you to support SB 234, thank you for your time. In addition it is helpful to give personal support in how it will affect you directly. Even if it is simply that you know Decker. Thanks everyone!
Charlie |
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coteranch
Registered: 07/15/08
Posts: 76
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Reply with quote | #26 |
Hello Mission Valley,
A quick update on the status of SB 234. We were in Helena advocating before the 2nd reading of the bill on the Senate floor, where we passed with a vote of 35-14!!! The victory was sweet yet we can't rest assured just yet. It will be reviewed by the Senate finance and claims committee and those senators need to be contacted by all of you. Here are their names and parties and below are links to contact all of them and their secretary and staff. Please let me know if you need further information. Thanks again for your support.
Charlie Cote
coteranch@ronan.net
676-0103
Finance and Claims
Meets Mondays-Fridays, 5 p.m., Room 317
Bales, Keith (R) (Ch)
Lewis, Dave (R) (V Ch)
Barkus, Gregory (R)
Barrett, Debby (R)
Brenden, John (R)
Brueggeman, John (R)
Cooney, Mike (D)
Esp, John (R)
Gallus, Steve (D)
Hansen, Ken (D)
Hawks, Bob (D)
Laible, Rick (R)
Peterson, Jim (R)
Ripley, Rick (R)
Schmidt, Trudi (D)
Tropila, Mitch (D)
Wanzenried, David (D)
Williams, Carol (D)
Zinke, Ryan (R)
Staff: Taryn Purdy, 406-444-5383
Secretary: Prudence Gilroy, 406-444-4759
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coteranch
Registered: 07/15/08
Posts: 76
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Reply with quote | #27 |
The hearing before the Senate Finance and Claims committee is scheduled for Monday the 9th. Please contact us if you'd like to come with us! Please contact the senators again! If you can email and call every day it is very influential! Info is posted above. Please pray! Thank you for helping our son. Also, watch for an article in this week's Lake County Leader!
Charlie
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DianeTorres
Registered: 01/27/09
Posts: 6
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Reply with quote | #28 |
ONE LAST CRY FOR HELP!!!!
We are headed to Helena, Early Monday morning. We need a big final GRASS ROOTS push! The more people we get to go over in support the more of an impression we'll make on the committee. Please come with us, you don't need to talk you just need to be present. I can say, it is a powerful thing to witness and you will not regret the trip. Hopefully, our SUPER AND FAITHFUL friends at Ronan Dodge will be providing us another van again, we need to fill it! Also, if you could write me a letter in support as citizens of the Mission Valley, insurance policy owners or small business owners that would be so helpful. I will include them in informational packets for the senators on the committee. Thank you, your support is making a huge difference in the life of my child and many more that will follow him.
1.) Come with us to Helena, Monday!
2.) Email us a letter of support to coteranch@ronan.net
3.) Call the members of the finance and claims committee 444-4800
4.) Talk about the issue, awareness is key!
5.) Email the members of the committee, see above links!
6.) Most important, pray for the passing of this bill for the sake of Montana and our kids!!
Thanks,
The Cotes
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coteranch
Registered: 07/15/08
Posts: 76
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Reply with quote | #29 |
Our family will be featured on KPAX news. It will air at 5:30 and 10:00, tomorrow, Sunday March 15th! |
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coteranch
Registered: 07/15/08
Posts: 76
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Reply with quote | #30 |
Hey everyone, In case you missed it, Decker's story can be viewed on kpax.com. (The video wasn't posted earlier but is now) Check it out, I think Dan Boyce did a wonderful job and he might like to hear that from some of you. dan@kpax.com Thanks!! Now, down to business. We are having some concerns from some supporters who's responses are becoming vague. Remind these senators that this is an issue that needs IMMEDIATE attention. Don't let them get comfortable with the federal stimulus possibility. It is only a possibility and our country is in economic crisis, these kids will not be the biggest fish to fry. Also, don't let them misunderstand the autism waiver option. This is a 2 year PILOT study that will help a small pool of kids who are pre-k. What about the kids over 5, what happens after the two years are up, what happens to the hundreds that don't get selected? The funds for this waiver have already been jerked once, these dollars are obviously not stable. CHIP is another option they are throwing around. What about those families who don't qualify? Again, state dollars that aren't secure. Another reality check is if they wait, every child that isn't treated will be a societal impact of $3.2 million dollars each on the state of MT and it's taxpayers. Can we afford that? Below are the senators that need to feel the grassroots impact. Call them and email them. If you have already, thanks and please do it again. Follow up with phone calls too!!! Thanks everybody, with your help we're going to take care of these kids. Please send your emails ASAP, they will be taking action by mid-week. Keith Bales - Chair Dave Lewis - Vice Chair Greg Barkus Debby Barrett Mike Cooney John Esp Steve Gallus Rick Laible Jim Peterson Ryan Zinke Ken Hansen Thanks to everyone for your continued help with this very long process. With your help, we can do it! Also, don't forget to FORWARD this email to everyone you know and ask them to do the same. Even if they don't have time to make contact with these leaders, someone in their address book might!! Love, The Cotes |
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