The following is a press release from the office of Rep. Lavielle.
The Connecticut Early Childhood Alliance (CECA) has named Rep. Gail Lavielle (R-143) a 2018 “Children’s Champion.” Alliance executive director Merrill Gay presented the award to Lavielle on June 29 at the Riverbrook Regional YMCA in Wilton. This is the fourth time that she has received the distinction.
The Early Childhood Alliance recognizes legislators for their leadership on issues that have an impact on the well-being of Connecticut’s young children in the areas of health development, early care and education, nutrition, and safety.
“Each of the legislators we’re recognizing this year stood up for children to protect funding for child care or to push policy change that supports families with children,” Gay said.
Legislation passed during the 2018 session includes: a measure that will make it easier for homeless families to obtain child care, helping parents to work and improve their situations. Another bill that passed will allow the CT Office of Early Childhood to prioritize infants and toddlers if there is a Care4Kids wait list. It will also make it easier for the OEC to adjust provider rates for School Readiness and state-funded centers. A bill that requires insurance policies to cover essential health benefits including pregnancy and immunizations also passed this year.
“The earliest years are the best time in a child’s life to build a strong foundation for physical and mental health and lifelong learning abilities,” said Lavielle, a Ranking Member of the General Assembly’s Education Committee. “That’s why education and services for young children are such an integral part of my work in the legislature. Children who are well prepared both intellectually and emotionally to enter school progress the fastest, and are best equipped to learn new material, make friends, and take advantage of educational and professional opportunities as they grow older. I thank the CT Early Childhood Alliance for its recognition, and I am honored to be named a Children’s Champion. I am grateful to this distinguished and caring group of professionals for their hard work and dedication to improving the lives of the children of our state.”
The Connecticut Early Childhood Alliance is a statewide organization committed to improving outcomes in the areas of learning, health, safety and economic security, for children ages birth to eight. The Alliance’s goal is for all children in Connecticut to enter kindergarten healthy, eager to learn, and ready for school success.
State Representative Gail Lavielle represents the 143rd district, which includes parts of Norwalk, Westport, and Wilton. She is the Ranking Member of the General Assembly’s Education Committee and a member of the Finance, Revenue, and Bonding Committee and the Transportation Committee.