Grijalva named 'Champion for Children'
A national bipartisan child advocacy group named Rep. Raúl M. Grijalva a 2011 Champion for Children. He was one of 35 congressmen given First Focus Campaign for Children's highest congressional honor.
In choosing recipients, the group “noted leaders (who) demonstrated extraordinary initiative by spearheading activities such as sponsoring hearings or garnering the support of their colleagues to improve the health and well-being of children,” according to the announcement.
“Children need to be the first focus not only of Congress, but of our entire country's thinking about what kind of future we're building,” Grijalva said.
“Thanks to First Focus and other groups doing great work to promote child welfare, we're reminded today that kids need friends in Congress even if they can't afford a lobbyist or get meetings in corporate board rooms. I'm proud of this recognition today, and I'm going to do everything I can to earn it again next year.”
According to Grijalva's office, the representative has led the push in Congress to improve public education from pre-kindergarten through high school.
In addition to the bills he co-sponsors and supports, in 2011 he introduced the Success in the Middle Act to increase support for underfunded middle schools and the FLUEnT (Families Learning and Understanding English Together) Act to improve family bilingual education support and emphasize English language acquisition.
He also introduced the SKILLS (Strengthening Kids’ Interest in Learning and Libraries) Act to provide every school with a qualified librarian and the PRIDE (Providing Resources to Improve Dual Language Education) Act to improve access to dual-language educational programs for younger students.
“These efforts, along with his strong support for Head Start, the Women, Infants and Children supplemental nutrition program, and other child assistance measures contributed to his recognition,” Grijalva's office said.
Grijalva is the only member of the Arizona delegation in either chamber of Congress to receive the bipartisan champion designation for 2011.
“Lots of politicians talk about kids' issues, but few back it up,” said Bruce Lesley, president of the Campaign for Children. “Champions … delivered for kids in 2011.”
In making selections, the First Focus Campaign for Children noted leaders who introduced, co-sponsored and voted for legislation to meet children's needs.
For a complete list of 2011 Champions and more information, visit www.ffcampaignforchildren.org.
