Senator Ochoa Bogh Awarded as 2023 Legislator of the Year by SELPA

Senator Rosilicie Ochoa Bogh (R-Yucaipa) has announced she has been presented the 2023 Legislator of the Year award by the Special Education Local Plan Areas (SELPAs) Administrators of California.

“I feel honored to receive the 2023 Legislator of the Year award from California's Special Education Local Plan Areas (SELPAs) Administrators,” said Senator Ochoa Bogh. “Education has been a focus—first and foremost—since I entered the Legislature. Every child is born with their own unique gifts and talents. Our job or responsibility is to create the environment in which our children are able to develop their talents, skill sets and find their purpose. I am humbled by this award and will continue to work towards quality and inclusive education for all children.”

During the ceremony, Senator Ochoa Bogh’s work on education policy, specifically her bill from last year, SB 1113, and this year’s bill, SB 354, were recognized as important steps towards the inclusion of special education students into the classrooms.

“Senator Ochoa Bogh has spoken to SELPA Administrators several times and she is always highly persuasive, and a deeply moving and passionate speaker on inclusion, someone who really understands the connection between the issue and improved outcomes for students with disabilities,” said Dina Parker and Leah Davis, SELPA Legislative Committee Co-Chairs. “We could not be more grateful to the Senator, and we are extremely proud to bestow on her our annual award, which reads, ‘For your commitment, passion, and unwavering support for students and families in California and for being a CHAMPION for Inclusion.’”

The SELPA Administrators of California is an association of professional educators organized to present, review, and evaluate major special education issues for the benefit of the students, families, districts, charter schools, and educators. Their mission is to champion educational access and opportunities for students with disabilities.