Moortel Recognized for Role in KidsCare Restoration

Honors & Recognitions

07/5/2016

​PHOENIX – Citing his role in the state legislature restoring the KidsCare health insurance program, Steven T. Moortel, a principal in the Government Relations group at Lewis Roca Rothgerber Christie LLP, was named “Best Lobbyist Under 40 – Male” for 2016 by Arizona Capitol Times.

Moortel was recognized for his leadership in advocating for restoration of the KidsCare health insurance program for low income families in Arizona, which had been suspended during the recession. Arizona was the only state in the U.S. without such a program, and the state Legislature passed a bill restoring the program which was signed by Gov. Doug Ducey.

“When challenged with an insurmountable goal, (Steve) was the proverbial Trojan Horse. And well as we all know, the passage of this legislation was hailed statewide, not only due to the masterfully executed plan, but because his efforts will have lasting impact on children throughout Arizona,” said Nicole LaSlavic, vice president of government affairs for the Arizona Association of Realtors, in the Arizona Capitol Times.

The recognition was announced during the annual Best of the Capitol awards held in downtown Phoenix on June 28. Award winners were selected by vote of the publication’s subscribers, which include elected officials, government staff and peers.

Moortel’s background includes more than 10 years’ experience working in various positions within the Arizona state legislature, including serving as a policy advisor to the leadership teams of three speakers of the Arizona House of Representatives. In this role, he helped craft and influence public policy issues by working directly with the committee chairman and members of the majority and minority caucus.

During his time at the state legislature, Moortel oversaw major policy issues in key areas including the state budget, health care, human services, immigration, government relations and reform, financial institutions, insurance, homeland security, and technology and infrastructure.

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