Senator West and Representative Burkett Named Children's Champions of 84th Legislative Session

For Immediate Release

CONTACT: Peter Clark, 512.417.9262

Senator West and Representative Burkett Named Children’s Champions of 84th Legislative Session

Austin – Today Texans Care for Children announced that Senator Royce West and Representative Cindy Burkett are the recipients of its Children’s Champion award for the recently completed 84th session of the Texas Legislature. Texans Care for Children, a non-profit organization dedicated to improving state policies and programs for children, recognized the legislators for their success passing legislation and championing proposals to benefit children across multiple policy areas.

This year, Senator West successfully passed SB 125, which requires comprehensive assessments of children when they enter the foster care system. The new law will ensure that more children receive the appropriate treatment and home placements they need to stay safe and recover from past trauma. Senator West also filed SB 1269, a bill designed to improve early learning and safety for our youngest Texans by requiring manageable class sizes in child care, and multiple bills to improve student safety and discipline practices on school campuses.

"Texas children are fortunate to have Senator West in the Legislature,” said Stephanie Rubin, CEO of Texans Care for Children. "He understands that providing children the safety and support they need early in life will help them succeed in school and adulthood.”

Representative Burkett successfully passed HB 781, legislation to improve children’s safety and support in foster care by strengthening screening and training requirements for prospective foster parents. Representative Burkett also passed HB 1180 to provide parents more information about potentially unsafe child care facilities and an amendment to SB 1630 to protect more vulnerable youth in the juvenile justice system. Additionally, Representative Burkett filed legislation to improve support for families raising children with mental illness.

"Thanks to Representative Burkett’s leadership, more Texas children will stay safe and reach their potential,” said Ms. Rubin. "She is a true champion for Texas children and families.”

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