REP. RAYMOND JOINS GOVERNOR PERRY FOR BILL SIGNING
Written by Post Public Information Representative, Jul 21, 2011, 0 Comments
Courtesy David Leo,
AUSTIN, Tx– Rep. Richard Peña Raymond (D-Laredo) joined Governor Rick Perry as he signed a bill that requires state agencies, boards and commissions to use respectful language when referring to individuals with intellectual disabilities.
As chairman of the House Human Services Committee, which has authority over issues that affect Texans with disabilities, Chairman Raymond was the joint author of the bill along with Rep. Vicki Truitt (R-Keller).
It will no longer be lawful for individuals with an intellectual disability to be referred to as retarded; mentally disabled or mentally ill; handicapped or crippled. Instead, individuals with intellectual disabilities will be referred to as “persons with disabilities”, “persons with developmental disabilities”, “persons with mental illness” and “persons with intellectual disabilities.”
“This is something that was long overdue. I am glad that we as a state could take this step together to show that every person in Texas in addition to being treated equally is addressed equally and respectfully,” Chairman Raymond said.
Rep. Raymond serves as the chairman of the House Human Services Committee which has oversight on the issue and oversees the Medicaid program, foster care services, elder care services and child care; including several state agencies that fall under the HHSC umbrella, including the Department of Family and Protective Services, Department of Aging and Disability Services, Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services and the Department of State Health Services.
“I am proud that we passed this bill through the committee I chair, I appreciate being able to join Governor Perry and so many others at this bill signing,” Chairman Raymond said.
Chairman Raymond joined State Rep.Vicki Truitt as joint author of House Bill 1481. The bill was then passed in the senate by State Sen. Judith Zaffirini.
