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March 30, 2006
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Sarah Mason at (916) 651-4011
NATIONAL ORGANIZATION OF WOMEN (NOW) NAMES SIMITIAN LEGISLATOR OF THE YEAR
SACRAMENTO – California National Organization of Women (NOW) yesterday named State Senator Joe Simitian (D-Palo Alto) 2005 Legislator of the Year.
In commending Simitian, the organization cited his willingness to be a strong and persistent voice on women’s issues as a member of the State Senate.
Dr. Kimberly Salter, President of California NOW said, “We are honored to present Senator Simitian with this award, and particularly impressed with his commitment to quality education for our youth.” Simitian was also lauded for his work on child care, privacy protection and elder abuse issues affecting women in California.
Simitian’s former seatmate for four years, former Assemblymember Hannah-Beth Jackson, made a surprise appearance to help present the award, noting “I am not surprised that Joe is being honored by NOW. We worked side by side for four years in the Legislature. I have seen his good work up close, and on a daily basis.”
Simitian said he was “gratified” by the recognition. “NOW has been a strong and steady voice for women in the Capitol. That makes the recognition all the more appreciated.” Simitian observed that while most of his work on women’s issues was “simply a question of fairness and equal opportunity,” he also noted that the challenges facing our state are enormous. “If we’re going to solve these problems, we need all the talent and creativity good women bring to the effort.”
Also honored as Legislator of the Year from the State Assembly was Assemblymember Jenny Oropeza (D- Long Beach).
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