Contact:
Mara Powell
mpowell@kyyouth.org

Statement by Dr. Terry Brooks, executive director of Kentucky Youth Advocates

LOUISVILLE, KY – On the heels of the good news about promising COVID-19 vaccines, kids and families across the commonwealth and the nation received more good news – final passage of another much needed federal relief package. With leadership in Congress from Senate Majority Leader McConnell and House Budget Committee Chairman Yarmuth, families will see an investment in the critical child care sector, student learning, rent and food assistance, supports for youth aging out of foster care, broadband internet access, and limited income support, as well as vaccine distribution.

Every day throughout the pandemic we’ve seen the news stories or heard the personal experiences of Kentuckians struggling to feed their family or pay their rent, to keep their children caught up with schoolwork while distance learning, and to find quality, affordable child care as they go to work. For families and communities, this relief can do just that – provide some relief so they can begin to recover from the deep impacts of the pandemic.

With this federal support, we can begin to take the steps needed to create a strong, equitable recovery that reaches all Kentuckians so that all children – children in families with limited income, children from rural areas and cities, children with special needs, and children who have experienced trauma – have the opportunity to thrive.

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About Kentucky Youth Advocates
Kentucky Youth Advocates believes all children deserve to be safe, healthy, and secure. As THE independent voice for Kentucky’s children, we work to ensure policymakers create investments and policies that are good for children. Learn more at www.kyyouth.org.