Pennsylvania bill would help cover speech therapy for those with stutters [Video]

HARRISBURG, Pa. (WHTM) — It’s not every day that former basketball stars and state lawmakers get together. But two are starting a conversation about an issue that affects them, and lots of other people.

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A stutter is not just a move on the courts, but a life-altering issue being put into the spotlight.

“I’ve stuttered throughout my entire life,” State Rep. Brandon Markosek (D-Allegheny). “You know, it’s gotten better, but it’s still not gone.”

His bill would require insurance companies to fund speech therapy for people who stutter. People like Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, a basketball star born in Philadelphia.

“I’m not a lobbyist. You know, I’m just an advocate,” Kidd-Gilchrist said. “I’m a husband. I’m a son. I’m a father. You know, I’m a person who stutters.”

He’s is now with Change and Impact, raising awareness that 3 million Americans stutter. And kids do much better if they …