IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                    
August 30, 2007

FOR INFORMATION CONTACT

Sherriene Jones-Sontag
Office of Speaker Melvin Neufeld
785/296-2302

SPEAKER NAMED LEGISLATIVE CHAMPION

FOR WORK FOR KANSANS WITH DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES

Topeka – Mosaic, a faith-based organization serving Kansans with developmental disabilities, has named Kansas Speaker of the House of Representatives Melvin Neufeld (R-Ingalls) its first “Legislative Champion of the Year” for 2007.

Speaker Neufeld said he is honored to be recognized by Mosaic and those it serves. 

"I thank this dedicated organization for the work they do in reaching out to Kansas citizens who need extra assistance in living full and productive lives,” Speaker Neufeld said.  “I believe all Kansans deserve the opportunity to reach their full potential.  That is why I support and advocate good public policy that assists organizations like Mosaic in helping their clients succeed.”

Mosaic has five agencies in Kansas and works with hundreds of Kansans with developmental disabilities by assisting them with case management, health care coordination, housing, and employment.

“As we worked to determine which Kansas Legislator has been a consistent champion for our cause, his name surfaced repeatedly,” Mosaic Executive Director Debbie Reynolds said.

The organization will recognize Speaker Neufeld at its Annual Appreciation Picnic on Sept. 15, 2007 from 12:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Fiesta Courtyard in Garden City.  The awards ceremony will be from 2:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.

-30-