Sen. Judith Zaffirini, the first Hispanic woman elected to the Texas Senate, has been appointed by Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick to the Texas Access to Justice Commission. Zaffirini will help the commission expand civil legal aid resources to low-income Texans.

The Laredo native has received more than 900 awards and honors for her public service and legislative work.

“We are honored to have Sen. Zaffirini appointed as our Senate Access to Justice Liaison,” said Texas Access to Justice Commission Chair Harry M. Reasoner in a press release. “The senator has worked closely and effectively with the commission on important access to justice legislation. She is a great champion of fair treatment and justice for all.”