Texas Sen. Jane Nelson accepted the National Distinguished Advocacy Award at a ceremony in Washington, D.C., on Sept. 23. It is the highest honor bestowed by the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network [ACS CAN] and recognizes accomplishments in the field of cancer-related public policy advocacy.
The national award is presented annually to one state lawmaker from all 50 states and came on the heels of accepting the American Cancer Society’s highest state advocacy recognition, the True Grit Award, at the Northeast Relay for Life event on Friday, Sept. 19, in Keller.
"For the last decade, Sen. Nelson has demonstrated consistent leadership in legislation to reduce the burden of cancer," said Marsha Fountain, chair of the Texas Government Relations Committee for the American Cancer Society. "This national recognition emphasizes that she is not only an outstanding state senator but a lawmaker of national prominence."
Last session Nelson sponsored Proposition 15 establishing the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas and authorizing $3 billion over the next 10 years to fund cancer prevention and research.
"This award from the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network is very meaningful to me – not just as a policy maker but as one of the millions of Americans whose family has been impacted by this disease," Nelson wrote in an e-mail statement. "I’m proud to have played a part in this historic initiative, but the real credit goes to the voters of Texas. The voters saw that this not only made economic sense – it was the right thing to do."
Nelson also championed legislation extending breast and cervical cancer screenings to low-income women; discouraging tobacco use; educating Texans about HPV; creating community-based School Health Advisory Councils; and returning physical activity to the school day for Texas elementary and middle schools. She previously served on the Texas Cancer Council and as official spokesman for the Troy Aikman Anti-Spit Tobacco Campaign.
"Senator Nelson has used her legislative clout for the highest purpose – as an advocate in the fight against cancer," said Daniel E. Smith, president of the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network. "We recognize how challenging it can be to pass meaningful state health legislation, and we feel Senator Nelson has vaulted over the obstacles and answered that challenge above all expectations."
Nelson represents District 12, which includes parts of Tarrant and Denton counties. She is chairman of the Senate Health & Human Services Committee.