On the first warm weekend in March, my husband enlisted our daughters to help him prepare our vegetable garden beds and plant the first seeds – carrots, lettuce, kale, and swiss chard. Already, the green seedlings have sprouted and we are well on our way to some delicious home grown veggies. Later this summer, we will relish the vision of our daughters pulling the full grown carrots out of the garden with the beautiful green [...]
Last night, the Senate passed legislation – known as the SGR-CHIP compromise – that will extend funding for the Children’s Health Insurance Program for two more years. Not only did Congress extend funding; they did so while protecting the successful structure of the program that is tailored to children’s needs. This is good news for the approximately 66,000 Kentucky children each month who receive quality health care coverage through Kentucky’s version – KCHIP. KCHIP offers affordable [...]
This post originally appeared as an op-ed in the Herald-Leader. You can view it online here. Assessing what worked in the General Assembly for the commonwealth's children is pretty simple: leadership. The 2015 session — and in fact, the 2013 and 2014 sessions, as well — generated broad and deep progress on the passage of policies that are good for kids. This session saw the legislature's continued commitment to combating child abuse and neglect through [...]
The very definition of volunteerism is to offer oneself for some service or undertaking, which sounds like the least selfish act possible. However, research has found that when you do good for others, there are plenty of perks in it for you, too. Read the list below to get inspired to lend a helping hand during National Volunteer Week (April 12-18). Ten personal reasons to volunteer: You’ll feel great – When you donate to charity, the [...]
The 2015 legislative session wrapped up this week and proved to be another strong session for Kentucky children. In the end, three Blueprint for Kentucky’s Children priorities were sent to the Governor for his signature. These legislative actions will mean Kentucky children are better prepared for a strong, healthy future. Senate Bill 119, sponsored by Senator Julie Raque Adams with Representative Rita Smart filing a companion bill in the House, addresses the serious problem of [...]
March is National Social Work Month. To celebrate the field of social work and social workers themselves, I want to share with you a parable that illustrates the importance of the profession whose primary mission is “to enhance human well-being and help meet the basic human needs of all people, with particular attention to the needs and empowerment of people who are vulnerable, oppressed, and living in poverty.” Anyone who has received a degree in [...]
The legislature met for three days this week and now takes a break until they come back for a final two days of session on March 23 and 24. Representatives and Senators worked long days this week trying to get several bills through both chambers. We are excited to report that two Blueprint for Kentucky’s Children’s bills made it all the way through the legislative process last night and will now head to the Governor’s desk [...]
Photo credit: capitol.ky.gov Although this was the first week of March, the snow decided to once again arrive in full force, causing the legislature to cancel session on Thursday and Friday. However, some bills did see movement during the three-day week. With only a few days left of the session, several Blueprint bills are just steps away from becoming a reality for Kentucky kids. Now’s the time to make your voice heard and call your [...]
Last week, Kentucky Youth Advocates released a new KIDS COUNT Data Snapshot by the Annie E. Casey Foundation on Measuring Access to Opportunity in the United States. That title is admittedly dry, and its focus – the Supplemental Poverty Measure – is a difficult to explain methodology for calculating poverty. However, there is something we can all get excited about in the study, namely evidence of the impact anti-poverty programs and tax policies are having [...]
Snow remains on the ground and cold temperatures are sticking around, but the legislature was back in action this week. Two Blueprint for Kentucky’s Children bills progressed in the House: HB 429 to create a strong child care sector in Kentucky through a child care council passed the House Health and Welfare Committee on February 24. It now awaits a vote on the House floor. HB 301 to ensure school personnel receive education on child [...]
