Senator Zenzinger Named “Legislator of the Year” by Alliance, Colorado Communities United for People with Developmental Disabilities

June 13, 2019

Breckenridge, CO - Senator Rachel Zenzinger (D-Arvada) today received the “2019 Legislator of the Year” award from the Alliance, Colorado Communities United for People with Developmental Disabilities. The “2019 Legislator of the Year” award is exclusively given by the Alliance to legislators who demonstrate a steadfast commitment to Coloradans with intellectual and developmental disabilities and the community agencies that support them.“We not only have an obligation to protect our state’s most vulnerable citizens, but to support the home and personal care workers who provide them critical health services,” said Senator Zenzinger. “I am honored to receive this award and incredibly proud of my efforts in the legislature to fight for both people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and those who provide them care.”“We are extremely grateful for your advocacy on the Joint Budget Committee to present a budget that not only protected, but even expanded, services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Without your dogged persistence, the additional 150 families finally accessing the comprehensive supports they need would likely still be waiting,” said Josh Rael, Executive Director, and Cheryl Wicks, President, in a letter informing Senator Zenzinger of her recognition.Senator Zenzinger was also critical in securing a one percent provider rate increase in the FY 2019-20 state budget, a .25 percent increase over the Governor's budget proposal. She also was a sponsor for the Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Day Tribute; worked to secure an additional $22 million dollars for special education in Colorado’s schools; and was a sponsor of SB19-202, Voting Rights for People with Disabilities.“We so appreciate everything you’ve done to be a powerful ally… Clearly, in your work at the General Assembly, you are committed to going above and beyond for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities… On behalf of all Alliance members, we thank you for your dedication to Coloradans with intellectual and developmental disabilities and the community providers who are honored to serve them,” added Rael and Wicks in the letter.For more information about the award, please visit https://www.alliancecolorado.org/.