Governor Dannel P. Malloy and 23 Connecticut legislators, including five from Middlesex County, were honored recently by the CT Early Childhood Alliance. The CT Early Childhood Alliance is a statewide membership and advocacy organization committed to improving developmental outcomes in the areas of learning, health, safety and economic security for children ages birth to eight.
Rep. James Crawford (D-Westbrook), Rep. Marilyn Giuliano (R- Old Saybrook), Rep. Matthew Lesser (D-Middletown), Rep. Phillip Miller (D-Ivoryton) and Sen. Paul Doyle (D-9th District) were among the 23 legislators honored by the CT Early Childhood Alliance.
“The legislators were honored as 2012 Children’s Champions for demonstrating a strong level of commitment to early childhood through leadership on policy issues during the 2012 legislative session and active involvement on local early childhood initiatives,” said Maggie Adair, Executive Director of the CT Early Childhood Alliance.
“As adults, we have to be the voices to advocate for Connecticut’s youngest children, making sure they’re healthy, safe and ready to learn,” said Betsy Morgan, director of the Middlesex Coalition for Children.
“There’s strength in numbers, and we are pleased to have five voices at the Capitol joining us from Middlesex County to advocate for our children,” said Christine Fahey, Middletown School Readiness Coordinator.
Governor Malloy was chosen as “Person of the Year” for his strong commitment to improving the lives of Connecticut's young children and their families by increasing access, availability and quality of early education.
“Meaningful education reform starts with improving how we approach early childhood learning,” said Governor Malloy. “The Early Childhood Alliance is an important partner in these efforts to develop a coordinated and comprehensive system that will prepare our youngest residents for school. I’m honored to receive this award, but more importantly, I am committed to our shared vision of investing in early childhood education and development.”
“Governor Malloy has a long-term vision for building a truly comprehensive, integrated, aligned early childhood system that not only works for children, but works for their parents, their teachers, and the community at large,” said Adair.
Person of the Year: Governor Dannel P. Malloy
Lifetime Achievement: Rep. Jack Thompson and Rep. Marie Lopez Kirkley-Bey
Children’s Champions with Special Recognition: Sen. Beth Bye, Rep. Michelle Cook & Rep. Cathy Abercrombie
Children’s Champions 2012: Rep. Dan Carter, Rep. Jim Crawford, Rep. Andrew Fleischmann, Rep. Marilyn Giuliano, Rep. Gary Holder-Winfield, Rep. Matthew Lesser, Rep. Douglas McCrory, Rep. Patricia Billie Miller, Rep. Phillip Miller, Rep. Mary Mushinsky, Rep. Jason Rojas, Rep. Diana Urban, Rep. Toni Walker, Sen. Toni Boucher, Sen. Paul Doyle, Sen. Terry Gerratana, Sen. Toni Harp, and Sen. Andrea Stillman
