Alliance Honors 57 Legislators at Annual Children’s Champions Event

House Speaker Chris Donovan was named “Legislator of the Year” and four legislators – Rep. Cathy Abercrombie (D-Meriden), Rep. Beth Bye (D-West Hartford), Rep. Karen Jarmoc (D-Enfield) and Rep. Diana Urban (D-North Stonington), were among the honorees at the annual “Children’s Champions” event, hosted by the CT Early Childhood Alliance on May 26.

“We wanted to thank the legislators who have been a positive force for early childhood, by engaging programs in their communities and supporting early childhood here at the Capitol,” said Ann Pratt, the CT Early Childhood Alliance’s executive director.

Donovan has been a consistent champion for Connecticut’s children this year, forming the “Task Force on Children in the Recession” and has shown unwavering leadership in supporting children.

“We know when our kids see a bright future, and when they’re excited about the world, it makes our world that much more exciting,” said Donovan.

Abercrombie, Bye, Jarmoc and Urban were singled out for Special Recognition for their leadership roles in elevating the importance of early childhood issues.

“I am so honored to have been recognized and when I look through the [list of] legislators being recognized, I am in good company and am really grateful,” said Rep. Bye.

“I thank the Connecticut Early Childhood Alliance for this honor and for their work in behalf of Connecticut’s children,” Rep. Urban said. “We must continue to make sure children have all the tools they need in preparation for their school years. Early childhood development is critical to prepare our children for future learning and security.”

Among the 57 honorees, many said they felt it was an honor to be recognized by the Alliance.

“As senate chair of the Human Services Committee, I recognize that children are perhaps the most vulnerable members of our society—particularly during these tough times—and it’s important that we stand up for their well being,” said Sen. Paul Doyle (D-9th District). ”It’s an honor to be recognized by the [CT] Early Childhood Alliance.”

“I am honored to receive the ‘Children’s Champion’ award. The Connecticut Early Childhood Alliance’s work tackles children’s issues with a whole-child approach including educational development, health and hygiene, safety and child poverty in hopes to make the world a better place for children,” said Rep. Themis Klarides (R-Derby). “Through their work, they give a brighter future filled with hope to so many Connecticut kids, which ultimately makes the future a little brighter for all of us.”

Many of the legislators noted the importance of getting a good start toward future success with quality early care and education.

“The foundation for a child’s school years starts early on,” Rep. Melissa Olson (D-Norwich) said. “We must make sure children have all the tools they need to succeed in school.”

“I’m particularly grateful we preserved portions of the state’s safety net specific to children, for example, the state’s Care 4 Kids program, which helps underwrite childcare for low-income, working families. This ensures safe, affordable care for children, so parents can keep their jobs without having to choose between work and childrearing,” said Sen. Andrea Stillman (D-14). ““I’m grateful to the Alliance for recognizing and rewarding what we do as a legislature to ensure well-prepared, healthy children, who will in turn be better able to lead Connecticut into the future.”