House Republican Press Release

 

 

 

April 24, 2006

Press Office: 860-240-8700

 

REP. CAFERO NAMED LEGISLATOR OF THE YEAR BY FAMILY SERVICE AGENCIES

 

HARTFORD – State Rep. Lawrence F. Cafero Jr. of Norwalk today was named Legislator of the Year by the statewide Connecticut Council of Family Services for his commitment to strengthening families.

 

Cafero, the Deputy House Republican Leader, received the award during a Capitol ceremony and was cited for his work both in and outside of the legislature. Former Norwalk state Senator Robert Genuario and current budget director for Gov. M. Jodi Rell provided a tribute to Cafero.

 

Genuario also was named Legislator of the Year in 1996.   

 

“Larry Cafero has consistently worked to strengthen Connecticut families throughout the state and at the local level. He has tirelessly championed programs and initiatives that have benefited parents and youth, whether as a legislator member of the local school board his direct contact with constituents and local schools in Norwalk,’’ said Family Service Agencies president and chief executive officer Dan O’Connell. “We recognize his efforts to help our member agencies meet their mission of strengthening Connecticut families.

 

The Council of Family Agencies is comprised of 16 member groups that focus on issues ranging from Adoption to job training, counseling and youth development. Thousands of people are served every year throughout Connecticut by the agencies.

 

“I’m honored to receive this recognition and am deeply humbled. I have always believed that we can and must work to preserve and strengthen families in any way possible. If we do that, as a society we will be better for it.

 

Cafero has previously served as a member of the Norwalk Board of Education and is currently an expulsion hearing officer for the school system. He is recognized as a leading voice in the legislature on substance abuse prevention and other issues related to youth. He has been elected seven times to the legislature by Norwalk voters.

 

He is the 18th person honored by the Council of Family Services Agencies. Last year Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro of 3rd District representing greater New Haven was Legislator of the Year.

 

Cafero also received a proclamation from Gov. Rell citing for the honor.

 

Genuario, who retired in 2004 from the legislature, said he has worked with Cafero for more than 20 years on issues related to Connecticut families, first as a fellow member of the Norwalk Board of Education, then as a legislator and now as the chief architect of the state’s $16 billion budget that provides funding for the Council of Family Service Agencies. “There is no one more deserving of this award from an agency that interacts with families in every conceivable manner than Larry Cafero. He understands what is important to families,’’ Genaurio said.