Senator Patty Murray Awarded 2013 Children’s Champion Award

The School Social Work Association of America (SSWAA) has awarded Senator Patty Murray (WA) their 2013 Children's Champion Award for her ongoing efforts to fight for the federal programs and services that support our neediest students and families.

For more than two decades in the US Senate, Senator Murray has been a tireless voice for programs and services supporting children in public schools, including children in military families and children with disabilities.

Senator Murray has used her leadership as Chair of the Senate Budget Committee to speak on behalf of the "children and families whose voices do not get heard." This has become increasingly challenging in our current fiscal climate. In a political environment that continues to push for cuts to our non-defense discretionary programs, Senator Murray has not wavered in her strong stance to protect these programs that have already bore the brunt of cuts in recent years. Advocacy for these programs, services and safeguards for children remains critically important, particularly in light of our country's increased child poverty levels.

In addition to leading the Senate Budget Committee, Senator Murray has also maintained a strong position on the Senate Appropriations Committee, which ultimately funds federal programs, as well as the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee, which authorizes federal education, health and social services programs. Using her leadership role on these Committees, Senator Murray has continually stood up for children and has repeatedly proven herself an unwavering champion.

To acknowledge Senator Murray as a champion for children and families, SSWAA presented her with the Children's Champion award during their annual Summer Legislative and Leadership Institute. SSWAA members work in schools to address students' social, emotional, and behavioral concerns that limit their ability to benefit from their education. school social workers provide positive behavioral support, academic and classroom support, and consultation with teachers, parents and administrators to enhance the school's ability to meet its academic mission, especially where home, school and community collaboration is the key to achieving student success.

For more information, contact SSWAA Executive Director, Frederick Streeck,
FStreeck@SSWAA.org