FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:  Dan Sutherland, Legislative Director for Rep. Vicki Truitt

                (512) 463-0690 or Dan.Sutherland@house.state.tx.us

Representative Truitt Honored as

“Legislator of the Year”

by Advocates for People with Developmental Disabilities

April 19, 2008 (Fort Worth, TX) – State Rep. Vicki Truitt (R-Keller) was honored as the "Legislator of the Year" by the Arc of Greater Tarrant County this evening at their Annual Dinner.  She was suddenly called out of town for the funeral of her father-in-law, so Rep. Truitt’s legislative director, Dan Sutherland accepted the honor in her absence.

"The Arc is pleased to honor Representative Truitt for her work on behalf of this community.  Rep. Truitt has been a friend to people with intellectual disabilities, a willing listener, and a tireless worker," said Richard Garnett, Executive Director of the ARC of Tarrant County.  "The leadership Rep. Truitt has demonstrated as she has worked for additional targeted resources for people in our community has changed people's lives for the better. The Arc of Greater Tarrant County appreciates her year-round efforts on behalf of our community and is happy to honor her as Legislator of the Year."

 Rep Truitt authored House Bill 2439 which codified the basic tenets of agreements reached by the state's community MHMR centers with private service providers and other groups to ensure open access to services for consumers and competitive service providers.  HB 2439 also establishes a Local Authority Network Advisory Committee for mental health services comprised of representatives from all aspects of the services community to resolve issues of contention.

 Rep. Truitt offered the following statement, “I'm very humbled to be honored by such a wonderful organization that does so much for the people it serves.  It is especially gratifying to see the concrete, positive changes in people's lives and in the community as a result of the efforts of the Texas Legislature. These are special people touched by God to encourage others, and they serve as an inspiration to us all.  They’re worth fighting for, and I am extremely proud to do so.”

 Rep. Truitt was similarly honored earlier this year by the MHMR of Tarrant County, and The Texas Council of Community MHMR Centers for her efforts on behalf of those with mental illness and developmental disabilities. 

 Rep. Vicki Truitt is a fifth term legislator from Tarrant County representing Grapevine, Colleyville, Southlake, Keller, Westlake, and parts of Trophy Club and far north Fort Worth.  She is Chairman of the House Committee on Pensions and Investments, and a member of the House Committee on Public Health.

                                                                        # # #