Children' s Healthcare Advocate Judy Darnell Named Woman of the Year by Assemblymember Laird

SACRAMENTO, CA – Assemblymember John Laird (D-Santa Cruz) today proudly announced Judy Darnell as Woman of the Year for the state of California , 27th Assembly District.  Ms. Darnell serves as United Ways of California 's State Advocacy Director for Covering California Children, is a long-time Santa Cruz County non-profit leader, and a graduate of the Panetta Institute of Public Policy.

“Known for years at the local level as a tireless advocate for children and healthcare, Judy is now lending her well-known optimism and resolve to the issue of securing health insurance for every kid in California,” said Assemblymember Laird.  “Children’s healthcare has taken the stage this year as a top issue in Sacramento , so it’s an honor to call Judy a partner and an inspiration both at home on the Central coast and in the State Capitol.”

Assemblymember Laird recognized Ms. Darnell on the floor of the Assembly in a ceremony today.

Background on Woman of the Year Program
The Woman of the Year event was started in 1987 by Assemblywoman Bev Hansen (R) and Assemblywoman Sally Tanner (D), who noticed that the California Legislature had no events planned for the month of March, Women's History Month. In celebration of the contributions to society made by remarkable women throughout California , Hansen and Tanner arranged to invite one woman from each Senate and Assembly district to come to the Capitol and be honored for their accomplishments. The women were to be recognized as Woman of the Year in a formal ceremony on the floors of the Senate and Assembly. This yearly event, sponsored and organized by the Women's Caucus, is greatly anticipated by all Legislators today.