ODESSA - State Rep. Pete P. Gallego, D-Alpine has been named the 2009 Advocate of the Year for Education Service Center Region 18. Gallego was cited for his tireless efforts to improve opportunities for and increased state funding of gifted and talented programs, the center said.

 

"Education is the most important thing we as adults owe our children," he said. Gallego, who served five consecutive sessions as a member of the conference committee charged with writing the final version of the state budget, is known as a legislative expert on the state appropriations process.

 "To a parent , no one is more important than their child,: he added. "This is truly a special honor. I'm so grateful to the Association of Gifted and Talented and to the superintendents and school district who are part of Region 18."