Indiana Lawmaker Earns Local Easterseals Legislator of the Year Award

A Recognition Rooted in Service and Advocacy

Earlier this week, Easterseals in Evansville, IN, announced that State Rep. Tim O’Brien has been selected as its Legislator of the Year, highlighting his leadership during the most recent state budget cycle and his long-standing advocacy for Hoosiers with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The award, the organization noted, reflects his commitment to ensuring that the state continues to support vital services for vulnerable populations.

A Leader Focused on Strengthening Medicaid Services

Rep. O’Brien said he was humbled by the recognition and reaffirmed his dedication to improving care for individuals with disabilities.

“I’m incredibly honored to be named Legislator of the Year by Easterseals Evansville, an organization that does such meaningful work for Hoosiers with disabilities,” O’Brien said. “Strong Medicaid services are essential to helping individuals receive the care and support they need, and I remain committed to strengthening those resources. I’m grateful for this recognition and will continue supporting policies that expand access and opportunity for more Hoosiers.”

His continued focus on Medicaid reflects one of the organization’s highest priorities: ensuring that individuals and families relying on support services have consistent access to care, even in challenging fiscal environments.

Navigating a Difficult Budget Year

Kelly Schneider, CEO of Easterseals Evansville, emphasized the significance of O’Brien’s work during the 2025 legislative session. Lawmakers faced a steep challenge—crafting a biennium budget amid projections showing a $2.4 billion shortfall.

Schneider noted that throughout the process, O’Brien actively listened to concerns about potential Medicaid cuts and rate changes. Despite the fiscal pressures, she said, he demonstrated a clear commitment to protecting essential disability services.

“In the end, Rep. O’Brien and the state passed a budget that did NOT cut rates or the state’s Medicaid budget,” Schneider said. “His work on the budget is the latest in a public service career dedicated to welfare of vulnerable populations. We thank Rep. O’Brien for always listening to our concerns and fighting to protect our clients.”

Her remarks also highlighted his ongoing presence in the community. “Rep. O’Brien has visited our facility in Evansville many times and has interacted with clients and staff members who greatly appreciate his time and thoughtfulness. Our community is better and stronger because of Rep. O’Brien’s service in the Indiana General Assembly.”

A Continued Commitment to Disability Advocacy

Rep. O’Brien said he intends to keep fighting for those who rely on support services. His focus remains on strengthening quality of care and expanding access across Indiana for individuals living with disabilities.

O’Brien’s recognition comes as Easterseals Evansville continues its mission to support children and adults with disabilities and their families. The organization provides a wide range of services designed to help clients build the skills and access the resources they need to live, learn, work, and play. Its work centers on changing the way the world defines and views disability by making positive, life-changing differences each day.

A Partnership Strengthening the Evansville Community

For Easterseals Evansville, the relationship with Rep. O’Brien reflects more than policy—it represents a shared vision for ensuring that individuals with disabilities receive the support they deserve. Through his engagement with their facility, interaction with clients, and dedication at the Statehouse, the organization says O’Brien has demonstrated the kind of leadership that inspires confidence and strengthens community ties.

As Indiana continues navigating fiscal pressures and the needs of vulnerable populations, Easterseals’ recognition underscores the importance of legislative champions willing to prioritize care, access, and opportunity—even in the most complex budget cycles.