Recently, more than 120 individuals attended the Annual Summer Potluck Picnic of the King County Family Coalition for Developmental Disabilities, a program of The Arc of King County, where eight legislators, including 45th District’s Rep. Larry Springer were awarded for their extraordinary efforts during the 2015 legislative session.

This annual award is given to legislators who go above and beyond to champion DD issues.

Addressing the unmet need for waiting families whose children qualified for state respite and other state Developmental Disabilities Administration services, the Legislature added 5,000 individuals with developmental disabilities (DD) to services. Representative Springer was awarded for his extraordinary role with a bi-partisan effort to help people with developmental disabilities.

“Representative Springer has been a steadfast supporter of individuals with developmental disabilities, and also a leader on ensuring resources for affordable housing,” said King County Family Coalition Coordinator Joe Cunningham. “During the 2015 session and special sessions, the Legislature passed two important affordable housing bills, HB 1223 which provided for local financing for affordable housing near transit centers, and HB 2263, a bill that provided for local option housing for affordable housing for many individuals, including people with developmental disabilities. Representative Springer prime sponsored both bills. His efforts in the recent session were spectacular, and well needed at a time when many young people with developmental disabilities are entering the workforce, receiving employment services, and need housing.”