State Senator Receives Recognition from Granite State Independent Living

State Sen. Jeanie Forrester, R-Meredith, was recently presented with the 2015 David B. Robar Advocacy Award from Granite State Independent Living (GSIL) in recognition of her commitment to supporting individuals living with disabilities and seniors who are receiving care in their own homes.

GSIL is New Hampshire’s only center for independent living, assisting seniors and people with disabilities through home care, community-based disability supports and employment services.

“I am honored to be the recipient of the 2015 David B. Robar Advocacy Award from Granite State Independent Living, named after a man who was dedicated to and successful in improving the quality of life and supporting greater independence for citizens with disabilities,” Forrester, who serves as the Senate Finance Committee Chairwoman, stated. “GSIL supports programs and resources dedicated to helping individuals live normal, productive and happy lives and I am grateful for the opportunity to advocate on their behalf to improve elderly and disabled Granite Staters’ day to day quality of life.”

Forrester said she had made it a priority to ensure that there was funding available as we developed the FY 16-17 budget to support resources for home health care agencies who will receive a 5 percent rate increase for the first time since 2006. She also sponsored legislation that “prevented an $8 million raid on nursing home and home health agency funding,” protecting our seniors and the disabled who rely on this kind of assistance every day.

Caption: Granite State Independent Living (GSIL) Executive Director Clyde Terry and Board of Directors Chair Kenenth Traum present Senator Jeanie Forrester (R-Meredith) with the 2015 David B. Robar Advocacy Award. (L-R: Clyde Terry, Senator Jeanie Forrester, and Kenneth Traum.)