Gerta Bendl | |
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Member of the Kentucky House of Representatives from the 34th district | |
In office January 1, 1976 – June 25, 1987 | |
Preceded by | David Karem |
Succeeded by | Jack Will |
Personal details | |
Born | Gerta Koperek July 5, 1931 |
Died | June 25, 1987 | (aged 55)
Gerta Bendl (July 5, 1931 – June 25, 1987)[1] was a Kentucky community activist and legislator who served in the Kentucky House of Representatives from 1976 until her death in 1987. She was the first woman to chair the Health and Welfare Committee. Her legislation involved "establishing a 'children's survival bill;' creating boarding-home regulations and bills of rights for nursing home residents and persons with developmental disabilities; mandating health insurance coverage for mentally ill; and providing for a living will."[2] She was described as a "leading force" and "force of nature".[3]