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 [...]

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 [...]

Photo credit: capitol.ky.gov Winter decided it wanted to intervene with progress in Frankfort this week and brought a blanket of snow and cold temperatures. We hope everyone out there stayed safe and warm in this extreme weather. Due to the weather, the Kentucky House and Senate both cancelled session Tuesday and Wednesday. (They were already scheduled to be out Monday due to President’s Day.) The House ended up taking off the rest of [...]

Yesterday’s Children’s Advocacy Day was one of the biggest yet, with over 700 children, youth, and adults attending to ask leaders to step up for kids in 2015. Thank you to the Blueprint for Kentucky’s Children partners, sponsors, speakers, performers, and elected and appointed officials who made the day possible. And thank you to the hundreds of people—including more than 150 youth—who prioritized Kentucky’s kids and took time to advocate on their behalf! During the [...]

Children’s Advocacy Day is an opportunity for advocates to tell elected officials to stand up for kids and protect Kentucky children. But oftentimes kids don’t have the opportunity to tell those leaders what it is that they need in their homes, schools, and communities. This year, children across the Commonwealth created art and wrote essays telling elected officials what “Kentucky kids need.” That art has been hanging in the tunnel that connects the Capitol to [...]

Check here for up to date information on important legislation related to the Blueprint for Kentucky's Children during the 2015 Kentucky General Assembly.   1. Protect children from abuse by ensuring educators receive information on child abuse recognition and reporting SB 119 sponsored by Senator Julie Raque Adams (companion bill to HB 301) Feb 4 - Introduced in the Senate Feb 6 - Sent to Senate Judiciary Committee Feb 12 - Passed Senate Judiciary Committee Feb [...]