Sen, Kent Lambert,
R-Colorado Springs
As Sen. Kent Lambert pushes for the best possible the past week, the state’s alliance that advocates for the intellectually and developmentally disabled called him a reliable champion for Colorado’s most vulnerable residents.
The nonprofit Alliance Colorado named the El Paso County Republican its legislator of the year for his dedication to the issues that affect those with mental challenges.
“Sen. Lambert has been a powerful champion for IDD providers, case managers, and families in Colorado,” Josh Rael, the Alliance’s executive director, said in a statement. “Sen. Lambert worked to protect this vulnerable population during the recession and has spent years fighting for adequate rates for our community provider system and for individuals in crisis, and he has worked hard to end the wait list for services.
“We are grateful to have such a tenacious ally working on behalf of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities at the Capitol.”
Lambert is chairman of the General Assembly’s Joint Budget committee, as well as serving on the state Regional Center Task Force, which is examining the availability of private-sector services and how best to operate the state-run homes for residents with severe intellectual and developmental disabilities.
The Alliance also pointed to his work on the JBC to help raise rates to service providers by 5 percent. He also sponsored an IDD Awareness Day resolution in the Senate this year.
“I think we who represent the people have a special obligation to assist the most vulnerable of our citizens, especially those challenged by intellectual or developmental disabilities,” Lambert stated. “I appreciate being recognized for the fact that I’ve always taken that responsibility and obligation seriously.”
