MADISON, Wis. -- Gov. Jim Doyle and Senate Democrats are pushing for a requirement that autism coverage be mandated in Wisconsin.

Seventeen other states already have such a law in place.

But in Wisconsin the idea is meeting opposition from Republicans and a business community that fears higher insurance costs.

Most insurance companies don't cover autism because it is classified as an emotional disorder rather than a neurological medical condition.

The mandate was proposed by Doyle in his budget and included in the plan passed by the Democratic-controlled Senate. It was removed by Republicans in the Assembly.