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Rep. Skip Priest honored with '2009
Champion for Children' award
Children's Alliance of Washington hailed Priest's work on early
education
On behalf of its more
than 9,000 members, the Children's Alliance of Washington announced June
15 that
Rep.
Skip Priest will be presented with the group's "2009
Champion of Children" award.
"This is an incredible honor. Groups such as the Children's
Alliance work tirelessly on behalf of our children and I am thrilled to
have been given this prestigious award," said Priest, lead Republican on
the House Education Committee. "Our collective effort is, and has always
been, about the kids. When we look through the lens that children are
the top priority in our education system, the solutions are clear.
Working with active groups that agree every child, regardless of
background, should have an equal shot at scholastic success is what
moves the ball forward on critical education reforms."
The group honored Priest for his work on the education reform
legislation, House Bill 2261, which passed this year. Of the many
strides the legislation takes, adding early learning was a key element
of the measure that he and education advocates worked to pass.
Unfortunately, Priest said, the governor vetoed the section allowing for
early learning opportunities for low-income and English language learner
students.
"I am very disappointed with the governor's actions to
veto the addition of early learning to the definition of basic
education," said Priest, R-Federal Way. "But, I am committed to work
toward the goal of every child being prepared for their first day of
kindergarten in the 2010 legislative session and beyond. With the help
of Children's Alliance and many other dedicated groups, we'll reach
our goal."
The 2010 legislative session begins next January and is scheduled to run
60 days.
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For more information, contact:
Bobbi Cussins, Public Information Officer: (360) 786-7252
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