WASHINGTON, D.C.Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) will be honored as a Champion for Children at a summit today hosted by the First Focus Campaign for Children.

“I have always believed that as an elected official it is my responsibility to advocate for those in the dawn of their lives and ensure that the well-being of children and families remains a priority,” said Senator Casey. “With that said, it is both humbling and a great honor to receive the Champion for Children Award from First Focus.”

Senator Casey is one of only three Senators recognized with this honor at the event, marking him as one of the top leaders in Congress for federal investments that deliver for America’s children. First Focus cited, in particular, Senator Casey’s leadership on early childhood, preservation of the Children’s Health Insurance Program, and other work on behalf of young people – issues particularly important for Pennsylvania.

“Senator Bob Casey has raised the profile of children’s issues in Congress and served as a true leader on issues of importance to our nation’s children,” said Bruce Lesley, president of the First Focus Campaign for Children. “We thank Senator Casey for his unflagging commitment to making America’s children a top priority of our nation.”

Joan Benso, President and CEO of Pennsylvania Partnerships for Children, was in town for the policy summit and agreed with that assessment. “Throughout his career in public service Senator Casey has consistently advanced the needs of children in Pennsylvania and across the country,” she said. “His leadership at the state and federal level has resulted in more children having access to high quality health care and early learning opportunities. Pennsylvania’s children are lucky to have him as their senator.”

#  # #