Amanda Aguirre facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Senator
Amanda Aguirre
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| Member of the Arizona Senate from the 24th district |
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| In office 2006–2010 |
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| Personal details | |
| Born | February 6, 1953 Agua Prieta, Sonora, Mexico |
| Citizenship | Naturalized |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Residences | Yuma, Arizona, U.S. |
| Alma mater | University of Sonora, California State University, Los Angeles |
| Occupation | President/CEO of non-profits Regional Center for Border Health and San Luis Walk-in Clinic |
Amanda Aguirre was born on February 6, 1953. She is a Democratic politician. She served as an Arizona State Senator from 2006 to 2010. Before that, she was an Arizona State Representative from 2003 to 2006. She represented District 24 in Arizona. In 2012, Aguirre announced she would run for a seat in the U.S. Congress.
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About Amanda Aguirre
Amanda Aguirre has always cared about public health. She has worked hard to improve health services, especially for people living near the U.S.-Mexico border. She lives in Yuma, Arizona.
Her parents were both elementary school teachers. This inspired her to value education throughout her life. Her parents also taught her the Democratic values she uses to serve her community. In her free time, Amanda Aguirre enjoys traveling and reading. She also likes playing guitar and kayaking on the Colorado River. She enjoys spending time with her significant other and her cat, Nafta.
Her Education
Amanda Aguirre studied chemistry at the University of Sonora in Hermosillo, Mexico. She earned her bachelor's degree there. In 1981, she earned her master's degree from California State University, Los Angeles. She studied nutrition, focusing on how to help children with developmental disabilities eat well.
Her Career in Public Service
In February 2003, Amanda Aguirre made history. She became the first woman and first Hispanic person to represent District 24. This district includes Yuma and La Paz Counties. She was first appointed to the Arizona State House of Representatives. A year later, she was elected to serve a full term. In 2006, she was elected to the Arizona State Senate.
Helping People with Autism
Amanda Aguirre has been very successful in passing important laws. These laws often had support from both political parties. One of her most well-known achievements was creating an Autism Task Force. This group looked at how state agencies and schools help people with autism. They suggested ways to make these services better.
She also helped pass a law in 2008 called "Steven's Law." This law requires private health insurance companies to cover services for autism. This means more families can get the help they need for children with autism.
Other Important Work
Amanda Aguirre was asked by Governor Jan Brewer to join a special group. This group worked to improve mental health services in Arizona. She also helped lead a committee that studied in-home care services.
She is also part of an advisory board for Northern Arizona University. This board includes important healthcare leaders in the state. Amanda Aguirre also helps organize community events. She works to clean up illegal dumping sites. She also hosts events to help children get their immunizations (vaccinations).
