Richard promises a "solid health-care plan, covering autism patients and uninsurable Missourians" by "mid-summer"

Speaker Ron Richard has an abysmal record on health care, and a decidedly spotty record of sticking to his promises, so it's hard to know what to make of his newest commitment:

"I have instructed several of my chairman to work to compose a plan that will bring insurance companies and autism advocacy groups together for a compromised solution to this very real problem," Richard, a Joplin Republican, said in a statement.

He also said: "Missourians can expect a solid health-care plan, covering autism patients and uninsurable Missourians, mid-summer and expect a bill to be filed in December and taken up on the floor in the coming Legislative Session."

We'll see.