Senator Kissel to Receive Recognition as a “Children’s Champion”

State Senator John A. Kissel (R-Enfield) has been selected by the Connecticut Early Childhood Alliance (CECA) to be recognized as a“Children’s Champion” at their May 26th event at the State Capitol in Hartford. This recognition is given to legislators who have shown a strong commitment to early childhood issues in their district and at the state Capitol. This year, Senator Kissel supported two important pieces of legislation impacting children, SB 391 An Act Concerning Child Care Subsidies Under the Care 4 Kids Program, and HB 5360 An Act Concerning Children in the Recession.

“Being selected to receive this recognition is a great honor,” said Sen. Kissel. “Providing adequate education and health care to our young people has always been one of my top priorities, but it is organizations like CECA who work so hard to prepare our young children to succeed as students and adults who deserve the highest praise. I am happy to play a role in supporting their efforts on the legislative side of things and look forward to continuing to partner with these advocates to do the right thing for our children.”

In a written statement, Samantha Dynowski, Director of Advocacy and Outreach for CECA, said, “The Alliance appreciates Senator Kissel’s pragmatic understanding of the balance state government must strike to serve those in need during an economic downturn.”

Senator Kissel’s work on behalf of Connecticut’s children was also applauded by Greg Stokes, Chairman of the Enfield Board of Education. Stokes said, “I would like to congratulate Sen. Kissel for being a recipient of this recognition. We have always enjoyed his interest and involvement in our community. As chairman of the Board I have found him to be always available and concerned and as a member of KITE I have always found an open door when we needed to discuss issues going on at the state level. Senator Kissel has always show compassion and understanding to the young people of our day, from high school students to those just entering pre-school.”

In addition to supporting SB 391 and HB 5360, Senator Kissel participated in a forum hosted by Speaker of the House Chris Donovan’s “Children in the Recession Task Force” where he had the opportunity to hear from parents and community leaders about the effects of the recession on children. He has continually been a strong supporter of Enfield Family Resource Centers, Enfield Head Start, and other organizations involved in early childhood education. In December of 2008, Senator Kissel participated in a national conference along with Dr. Janice Gruendel, Senior Advisor for Early Childhood Education in Connecticut, entitled, “Prekindergarten Institute: Building on State Leadership”.