Collins, Johnson hold passenger rail study

State Rep. Wallace Collins, D-Norman, working in conjunction with State Sen. Connie Johnson, D-Oklahoma City, held an interim study session this past week to look into the possibilities and potential of adding more passenger rail service to Oklahoma.

The first meeting concentrated on what the loss of the Union Station Terminal Facility in downtown Oklahoma City would mean to future passenger rail service for Oklahoma, and whether that facility could be used as a hub for several modes of mass transportation.

Legislators Collins, Johnson, and others believe Union Station is located perfectly to serve downtown Oklahoma City and the Bricktown area with passenger rail service. Their vision of future mass transit efforts would include bus and light rail connectors to take patrons to their local destinations, for work or pleasure.?

Study plans include at least four meetings on the issue.

Study addresses autism issues

Because of public need and interest, Rep. Wallace Collins has conducted another interim study on the issues of autism and whether insurance coverage would help affected families.

Collins, D-Norman, allied himself with Rep. Kris Steele, R-Shawnee, to hold the study and investigate the various issues involved with autism. Autism covers a large area of behavioral disabilities, and affects 1 out of 150 children.

Collins said an issue that "came out loud and clear is the lack of proper funding."

"Early intervention is very critical to give these kids the best?opportunity for a life?to be?self-sufficient, and contributing members of society," he added. Collins said these children should never be "warehoused," but should be allowed to be members of the social network.

Collins pledged to work with other representatives during the next legislative session to extend insurance coverage to children with autism.

Home Creations offers voter registration

MOORE -- Home Creations is offering voter registration at any of its metro show homes through Oct. 3. The show homes in Edmond, Oklahoma City, Yukon, Moore, Norman, Midwest City and Del City are open daily until 6 p.m. A map with addresses and directions may be found at www.homecreations.com.