First Focus Campaign for Children Names Reichert “Champion for Children”
Mercer Island, WA,
Oct 1 -
Congressman Dave Reichert (WA-08), today has been named a “Champion for Children” by First Focus Campaign for Children. Champions were honored based on their actions to introduce, cosponsor and vote for legislation that would best meet the needs of children, and their demonstration of extraordinary initiative to spearhead activities such as sponsoring hearings or garnering support of their colleagues to improve the health and well-being of children.
“We applaud Congressman Reichert for his unflagging commitment to protect our nation’s future,” said Bruce Lesley, president of the First Focus Campaign for Children. “Children cannot vote, hold press conferences, or donate to political campaigns to thank the Members of Congress that support them and protect their interests. And because of that, today we are honoring those Members on behalf of children. This award is intended to give recognition to our nation's top public officials who take action to make children a national priority. We look forward to working with Congressman Reichert to continue protecting America’s next generation of leaders.”
“Every child’s life is precious, and it is an honor, a privilege, and a highlight of my public service career to advocate for their health, safety, and well-being,” Reichert said. “Children are among the most vulnerable members of our society, and they are the future of our country – their interests should be our top priority. I’ll be proud to continue doing everything within my power to ensure they have access to quality healthcare, the best education opportunities, and every possible advantage to set them on course for productive, successful lives.”
BACKGROUND
Reichert has dedicated his entire career to protect, strengthen, and create opportunities for children. From his 33-year career in law enforcement, including his service as the Sheriff of King County, to representing Washington’s Eighth District in the U.S. House of Representatives, he has been a tireless, vocal champion on their behalf. Highlights of Reichert’s work include:
FOUNDER AND CO-CHAIRMAN, CONGRESSIONAL CHILDREN’S HEALTH CARE CAUCUS: With the assistance of the National Association of Children’s Hospitals, Reichert founded a bipartisan caucus dedicated to building support for legislation that improves the quality of care for children and their access to it. The caucus advances legislative initiatives that provide access to health coverage, ensure preventative care, seek cures for debilitating diseases and chronic conditions, and promote healthy living habits for America’s children.
FORMED CONGRESSIONAL TASK FORCE ON CHILDHOOD OBESITY: The bipartisan Congressional Task Force on Childhood Obesity works to identify, discuss, and promote policy ideas to address this epidemic as well as to organize educational briefings in correlation with relevant organizations. This effort provides a legislative compliment to those undertaken by the Administration, including the First Lady’s Let’s Move campaign and President Obama’s creation of a Task Force on Childhood Obesity by executive order.
INCREASED FUNDS FOR CHILDREN’S EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES: Reichert passed an amendment increasing funding by $2.5 million for children’s emergency medical services. The EMSC program provides grants to states and medical institutions to expand and improve emergency care for children who need treatment for life-threatening illnesses or injuries.
SUPPORTED STATE CHILDREN’S HEALTH INSURANCE PROGRAM: Reichert supported expanding coverage for low-income children and a funding equity “fix” for children in Washington state.
INVESTMENT IN NIH MEDICAL RESEARCH: Reichert co-led a three-year effort to increase across-the-board funding for the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Medical research plays a vital role in the search for cures to diseases and conditions like juvenile diabetes, pediatric cancer, juvenile arthritis, and muscular dystrophy. He also is an original cosponsor of the Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act.
IMPROVING SCHOOL SAFETY: Reichert authored and successfully passed an amendment providing funds to upgrade and install important school safety technology so that schools are prepared for emergencies like campus violence, natural disasters, and acts of terrorism.
PREVENTING SCHOOL VIOLENCE: Reichert authored and successfully passed an amendment to provide new resources for a federal program that helps schools combat sexual harassment, bullying, and gang-related violence.
More information is available here and here.
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