ARC of King County Parent Coalition

Sen. Joe Fain (R-Auburn) and House Majority Leader Pat Sullivan (D-Covington) recently were honored for their legislative efforts on behalf of individuals with developmental disabilities.

Fain and Sullivan, who both represent District 47, were among six legislators awarded by the King County Family Coalition for Developmental Disabilities of the Arc of King County. The ceremony and summer potluck picnic drew more than 120 people to the Renton Community Center.

During the 2014 session, the Legislature passed Senate Bill 6387, adding 5,000 individuals with developmental disabilities (DD) to services. The move addressed the unmet need for waiting families whose children qualified for state respite and other state Developmental Disabilities Administration services.

Fain and Sullivan were awarded for their roles with a bi-partisan effort to help people with developmental disabilities. The annual award is given to legislators who go above and beyond to champion DD issues.

"In his powerful roles as Senate Majority Floor Leader, and on the Senate Rules Committee, Sen. Fain steered DD legislation through the Senate," said Joe Cunningham, event emcee and coordinator of the King County Family Coalition. "As a leading advocate in the Senate for employment for individuals with developmental disabilities, Sen. Fain has dedicated his support by making it a priority for his caucus."

Cunningham also praised Sullivan for his work.

"In his powerful roles as House Majority Leader and member of House Appropriations, and Rules, (Sullivan) pushed DD legislation through the House, including HB 2746, which ensured that funds from the federal Community First Choice Option would be designated for DD," Cunningham said. "He was the main negotiator for our bills in the House."