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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
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State
Rep. Barb McIlvaine Smith
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McIlvaine Smith to be honored by Arc for commitment to special needs priorities
HARRISBURG, April 21 – The Arc of Pennsylvania has selected state Rep. Barb McIlvaine Smith, D-Chester, as its 2009 "Legislator of the Year" recipient.
The organization, which represents people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, said it was honoring McIlvaine Smith for her leadership in addressing the needs of Pennsylvanians with disabilities.
"It is an honor to be recognized by an organization that for decades has admirably devoted itself to promoting the needs of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities," McIlvaine Smith said. "Without the advocacy of Arc, people with special needs would lack a collective voice to raise awareness on this matter.
"As a state representative, I have worked very hard to bring awareness to special needs issues, and introduced and supported measures that benefit and improve the lives of Pennsylvanians with special needs," McIlvaine Smith said. "I believe lawmakers have a moral and legal obligation to provide equal opportunities for all Pennsylvanians."
McIlvaine Smith serves as chairperson of the House Education Subcommittee on Special Education. In that role, she has advocated for funding reform for special education curriculum and testified before the House Appropriations Committee regarding funding disparities in those programs.