The Community Employment Alliance has named Sen. Linda Evans Parlette its 2012 Legislator of the Year recognizing her advocacy for developmentally disabled persons. In March the state legislature passed  Senate Bill 6384, a measure Parlettesponsored that will help people with disabilities find and retain jobs.

Parlette received her award at the Community Employment Alliance luncheon yestrerday in Spokane, where she addressed members of the organization telling them “The law we passed this year puts the focus on securing meaningful employment for disabled individuals, which makes a real difference to them and their families”.

The Community Employment Alliance is a non-profit advocacy organization with a membership network of 50 businesses and employment service providers located across the state.

“It was a tremendous honor to be recognized today with this award,” Parlette said. “This is one of the most meaningful andimpactful pieces of legislation I’ve had the opportunity to sponsor during my time as a legislator!”