Children’s Alliance recognizes Seaquist’s work on behalf of Washington kids

 

September 22, 2009

OLYMPIA –In a ceremony held this morning at the Wing Luke Asian Museum, the Children’s Alliance honored State Rep. Larry Seaquist by presenting him with a 2009 Champion for Children Award for having sponsored and championed the Apple Health for Kids Act (HB 2128).

“The kind of future we all want to see for the children and future generations of our state is healthy, smart, productive and active,” said the Gig Harbor Democrat. “So working to make sure every Washington kid has access to quality health care is not only the moral thing to do, it’s the right thing.”

Representative Seaquist worked with his peers in the House and Senate to pass a comprehensive bill that will draw down additional federal funding, streamline enrollment for uninsured children, keep children covered, and track health outcomes to improve access to care. Seaquist also helped champion the efforts to fund outreach to inform families about Apple Health for Kids and how to get health care for their children.

“I am delighted that the Children’s Alliance recognizes and appreciates my work, but the feeling is mutual, their work to improve the lives of kids in our state is truly remarkable and I am honored to be part of this great effort,” Seaquist added.

Champions for Children are state lawmakers recognized by the Children’s Alliance for their outstanding service on behalf of children. Each of this year’s 10 Champions for Children provided significant leadership during the 2009 state legislative session in preserving, protecting, or advancing state policies or investments that will improve the well‐being of vulnerable children in Washington. These lawmakers distinguished themselves by joining with the Children’s Alliance to make children a priority in one of the toughest economic recessions in recent memory.

“Rep. Seaquist has worked hard to buffer the effect of the recession on Washington’s children. Through his efforts to protect Apple Health for Kids, he has helped children across Washington get health care coverage,” said Paola Maranan, the Children’s Alliance Executive Director. “Between 2007 and 2008, about 110,000 kids lost employer-based or private health insurance. Apple Health for Kids and other government programs stepped in to cover about 98,000 of them. Rep. Seaquist worked tirelessly to make sure this critical help was available to the kids who needed it.”

The Children’s Alliance is a statewide public policy advocacy organization that works at the local, state and federal level to ensure that all children have the things they need to thrive. Current campaigns focus on health care, anti-hunger and nutrition, foster care, and early learning. Their membership includes 125 organizations and more than 9,000 individuals statewide who are members of our Children’s Action Network. To learn more about the Children’s Alliance, go to www.childrensalliance.org

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