Austin, TX -- Senator Judith Zaffirini, D-Laredo, received six awards in the 2006-07 Press Women of Texas Communications contest. She received two first-place awards for her motivational children's book, If Judy Pappas Can Do It, Anybody Can! and for her 2006 University of Texas at Austin Law School commencement speech titled "Who Lives? Who Dies? Who Decides?"

Senator Judith Zaffirini Reports to the Families of District 21, an annual newsletter for constituents, won third place. News releases announcing her pre-filed legislation for the 2007 legislative session and her appointment as chair of the Senate Subcommittee on Capital Funding for Higher Education won second and third places, respectively. A media advertisement wishing her constituents a happy holiday season won honorable mention.

The Press Women of Texas and the National Federation of Press Women hold an annual competition to recognize excellence in writing and communications. Award categories range from news reporting to books.

Sweepstakes and group awards are given to top winners from newspaper, university and individual or "other" participant classifications. Zaffirini placed fourth overall and first in the individual grouping.

"I am delighted and honored to receive these awards from the Press Women of Texas, of which I have been a member since 1973." Senator Zaffirini said. "I especially am pleased that If Judy Pappas Can and my senatorial district newsletter won these coveted awards."

If Judy Pappas Can Do It, Anybody Can! was published by the Laredo National Bank/BBVA, for students at Zaffirini Elementary School. It highlights milestones from her first memory of learning to read at the age of three to her accomplishments as a state senator.

Last May Senator Zaffirini delivered the commencement address to the 2006 class of UT Law Students. Her speech impressed upon the new attorneys their responsibility for answering the critical questions of our day, particularly: Who lives? Who dies? Who decides? Her son, Carlos Zaffirini Jr., was among the graduates.

Senator Zaffirini has won more than 560 awards for her professional and public service work, including more than 100 for communication projects. This year she received the 2007 Leadership Award from the Arc of Texas for outstanding support and advocacy for persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities and received a gavel from Lt. Governor David Dewhurst for casting her 35,000th consecutive vote in the Senate.

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