Senate Leadership
May 7, 2009
Senate President Honored as 2009 Family Legislator of the Year By Connecticut Council of Family Service Agencies
Senate President Donald E. Williams, Jr. (D-Brooklyn) says government must keep commitment to families — especially in tough times
During a ceremony at the Capitol, Senate President Pro Tempore Donald Williams was presented with the 2009 Family Legislator of the Year Award by the Connecticut Council of Family Service Agencies. Featured in the photo (left to right): Al Barber, Chair of CCFSA, Daniel O’Connell, President and CEO of CCFSA, Senator Williams, Laura Williams and Diane Manning, President of United Services. (April 7, 2009)
The Connecticut Council of Family Service Agencies today honored State Senator Donald E. Williams, Jr. (D-Thompson) as the 2009 Family Legislator of the Year.
“Throughout his service in the State Legislature, Senator Williams has proved himself time and again to be a true champion for Connecticut families,” said Daniel J. O’Connell, Ed. D., president and CEO of the Council. “His leadership and advocacy on several issues have marked him as an exceptional legislator dedicated to preserving and enhancing protections for families throughout the state.”
The CT Council of Family Service Agencies cited some of Senator Williams’ accomplishments, including: “authoring legislation creating both the Office of the Child Advocate and the Office of the Victim Advocate, and sponsoring a number of bills to prevent domestic violence. He also created the Office of the Health Care Advocate to help ensure quality health care for Connecticut residents of all income levels. Also, his efforts to increase financial aid at state colleges and universities have created greater access to higher education for working-class students.”
“It is critical that the difficult economy isn’t used an excuse to turn our back on Connecticut families,” said Senator Williams. “The Health Care Advocate and the Child Advocate are independent watch-dogs that help protect families and that why we’re protecting them from the budget ax. I look forward to continue working on behalf of Connecticut families this legislative session to help them through this turbulent time.”
“Over the 25 years since I have known Don, he has been a long-term advocate for children and families, particularly those faced with behavioral health, and developmental disabilities,” said Diane Manning, president and CEO of United Services, Inc. in Dayville, CT. He has always displayed a willingness to stand up for the people who depend on our services and for our organizations and staff who daily provide them.”
The Connecticut Council of Family Service Agencies is a statewide network of non-profit family service agencies that delivers services in more than ninety locations throughout the state. The mission of the Council is to be the premier resource to strengthen Connecticut’s diverse individuals and families, and the communities in which they live. The 17 non-profit member agencies of the Council are nationally accredited and administer a wide range of programs and services to accomplish their missions.
This is the 21st consecutive year that the Council has presented the Family Legislator of the Year award. Past recipients include former State Senator Robert L. Genuario, State Representative Christopher Donovan and U.S. Representative Rosa L. DeLauro.
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Senator Williams’ Derek Slap |
Listing of Leadership’s recent press releases. |
Senator Looney’s Derek Slap |
