Advocates for two separate causes are expected early next week to call for legislative action in the final days of the legislative session to provide funding for the Pure Michigan tourism promotion and require health insurers to provide coverage for treatment of autism disorders.

The Pure Michigan supporters have sponsored billboards near the Capitol Building calling on legislators to finish the job and provide adequate funding to support the tourism promotion campaign for the upcoming year. The supporters also have scheduled a press conference Monday in the Capitol to discuss the economic benefits of the legislature approving $25 million to fund a spring and summer Michigan travel campaign.

Lt. Gov-elect and current Rep. Brian Calley (R-Portland) has issued a five-minute video message calling for his legislative colleagues to support passage next week of HB 4183 and HB 4476, legislation calling for insurance coverage of autism disorders.

“I am not going to do the politically correct thing to make everyone else comfortable and stay home and shut up. I’m just not going to do it,” Mr. Calley said in explaining why he is calling for the legislative action next week. Mr. Calley has a daughter who was diagnosed with autism.

Sen. Randy Richardville (R-Monroe), the Majority Leader next year, and Sen. Tupac Hunter (D-Detroit) have co-chaired statewide meetings on the autism issue, but the legislation remains in the Senate Economic Development and Regulatory Reform Committee with no hearings scheduled next week.