Friday, March 07, 2008

Schapira named "Legislator of the Year" by American Cancer Society

...Courtesy an emailed press release -
The American Cancer Society has awarded David with its annual 'Arizona Legislator of the Year' honor for his "leadership, dedication and commitment to eliminating cancer as a major health problem through legislative initiatives."

David, a cancer survivor, sponsored legislation last session to mandate that all health insurance companies in Arizona cover crucial screenings for breast cancer, prostate cancer and colon cancer. The bill was heard in the House Financial Institutions and Insurance Committee and passed by a 5-4 vote. David’s bill was the first of its kind to pass in a committee vote.

This session, he sponsored two bills relating to cancer issues. One would require that insurance companies disclose their coverages of vital cancer screenings to the state. The other bill would have made it illegal for an adult to smoke in a vehicle with a child. Both bills were killed by the chairmen of the House committees to which they were assigned.

"My goal is to work myself out of a job when it comes to fighting cancer," David said after accepting the award. "I hope that my grandchildren or great-grandchildren will not know the word 'cancer' other than as a term in history books."

Congratulations to Rep. Schapira on the recognition of his efforts on behalf of cancer victims in his district and in the state.

Rep. Schapira's campaign website is here.

The ACS Arizona Action Center website is here.

Later!

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