Michele Kayal Vice President, Media and Communications
Michele Kayal is an award-winning journalist who has covered everything from post-Communist Europe to country music cookbooks for the New York Times, Associated Press, NPR and other national outlets. As a “recovering reporter” she now deploys her media and communications skills on behalf of the children served by First Focus and First Focus Campaign for Children.
Before joining First Focus, Michele spent three years leading communications for Relief International, a $100 million humanitarian organization providing refugee assistance in 16 countries. For more on Michele’s background, please visit her LinkedIn profile.
New bill would halve child poverty in five years
Michele Kayal | September 27, 2023 |
“Child poverty is a choice,” advocate says The recently introduced Child Poverty Reduction Act of 2023 creates a national commitment to cutting child poverty in half …
Second week of June will be Children’s Week
Michele Kayal | June 16, 2023 |
First Focus Campaign for Children welcomes the recognition of Children’s Week 2023 by the U.S. House of Representatives and the efforts of lawmakers throughout the week to put children and their needs at the …
Statement: Child care as important as “roads, power, water and internet,” advocate says
Michele Kayal | June 16, 2023 |
Senate bill improves access, boosts workforce In response to today’s introduction of the Building Child Care for a Better Future Act, First Focus Campaign for …
Statement: Senate tax credit bill makes “huge strides” toward ending child poverty
Michele Kayal | June 14, 2023 |
Legislation comes as lawmakers eye tax cuts for corporations, wealthy people In response to today’s reintroduction of the Working Families Tax Relief Act, First Focus …
Statement: Child Tax Credit bill would have “singular impact” on child poverty
Michele Kayal | June 12, 2023 |
Voters overwhelmingly favor the legislation, poll says In response to today’s reintroduction of the American Family Act by Reps. Rosa DeLauro (D-CT), Suzan DelBene (D-WA) …
Statement: Advocate blasts Senate vote on public charge
Michele Kayal | May 19, 2023 |
Measure could prevent families from seeking needed care In response to the Senate vote to rescind the Biden Administration’s 2022 public charge rule, First …
2023 Agenda for America’s Children promotes health, well-being
Michele Kayal | May 9, 2023 |
Experts urge Congress to work for kids First Focus Campaign for Children today released its 2023 Agenda for America’s Children, which outlines the steps the …
Statement: Debt Limit Bill would gut children’s health care, food aid, and other programs
Michele Kayal | April 26, 2023 |
As the House of Representatives moved toward a vote today to increase the nation’s debt limit in exchange for deep cuts to federal spending …
Statement: Eli Lilly insulin cap will benefit children
Michele Kayal | March 2, 2023 |
In response to the announcement by the pharmaceutical firm Eli Lilly that it will cap patient costs for insulin at $35, First Focus Campaign for Children …
Statement: New refugee protection legislation advances child safety
Michele Kayal | December 22, 2022 |
Bill offers “workable, affirmative vision,” advocate says In response to today’s introduction of the Refugee Protection Act, First Focus Campaign for Children President Bruce Lesley made the following statement: …