(NASHVILLE, TN, August 24, 2010 – State Senator Doug Overbey (R- Maryville) has been named "Legislator of the Year" in Tennessee for his efforts on behalf of citizens with intellectual disabilities.  The award was presented to Overbey on Thursday at the Annual Awards of Excellence sponsored by the Tennessee Network of Community Organizations (TNCO) in Murfreesboro.  The state advocacy group honors a Senator and Representative each year for their work in furthering and/or bettering the lives of people with intellectual disabilities through legislative initiatives.

"This award is a great honor and I am humbled to receive it," said Senator Overbey.  "I am very pleased to partner with TNCO to work towards progress to expand opportunities for those with intellectual disabilities."

TNCO is a statewide organization comprised of not-for-profit organizations, such as Sertoma and the Douglas Adult Cooperative, whose missions are to assist those with disabilities.  "TNCO and its constituent members do an excellent job in representing the needs of our citizens with disabilities before the legislature." Senator Overbey added.

In accepting the award, Overbey said, "Although others are more deserving of this recognition, I’m truly touched and grateful.  Receiving this award means more to me than you will ever know."

Overbey was the sponsor of major legislation this year which prevented potentially catastrophic cuts to Tennessee hospitals as a result of budget cuts proposed earlier this year in the state’s 2010-2011 budget.  Last year, he was co-prime sponsor of legislation to rename the state’s Division of Mental Retardation Services the "Division of Intellectual Disabilities."