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Tulsa WorldScott Lewis ("Remember the hungry as holidays approach," Oct. 24) rightly urges readers to join the fight against hunger. But, if some Washington politicians have their way, childhood hunger may actually get worse.The federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program - SNAP - provides food for more than 20 million kids. And it works - the childhood hunger rate would be much higher without SNAP. Making food more affordable also reduces child poverty because fewer parents must make the heartbreaking choice between paying the rent and putting food on the table.Some in Congress have proposed deep cuts to SNAP,...

Philadelphia TribuneHe was a strong support of the law that expanded the Children’s Health Insurance Program which was signed into law in February 2009 to provide health-care coverage to more than 14 million children.During the debate on the health-care reform law, Casey helped to include provisions to protect and improve health care for children.His work on behalf of children has been widely recognized. He has been received the Champion for Children Award from First Focus, Children’s Champion Award from the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and the Delaware Valley Association for the Education of Young Children Champion for Young Children...

Washington PostWith the exception of candidates bemoaning the number of Americans on food stamps and out of work, the subject of poverty didn’t get much of an airing during the presidential debates. When a coalition of advocates against child poverty asked President Obama and Republican nominee Mitt Romney to lay out their plans in a Sept. 4 letter, they heard crickets.Bruce Lesley, the president of First Focus Campaign for Children, agrees, saying, “Chairman Ryan’s actions — spearheading a budget that cuts the Child Tax Credit, dramatically increases the number of uninsured children, cuts investments in child abuse and neglect...

Richmond Times Dispatch ($)Regarding the recent news story, "Anti-poverty message spreading in Richmond's faith community," it's encouraging to see local residents getting involved in the fight against poverty. But Virginia's congressional delegation has an important role to play, too -- especially for kids.The federal Earned Income Tax Credit and Child Tax Credit lift nearly 5 million children out of poverty every year. Both bipartisan credits reward hard work. And both put money back into Virginia's economy, helping parents buy food, clothes, and other basics from local merchants. Yet both will expire in their current forms at the...

Huffington PostToday, the national fiscal situation is arguably as daunting as it was in the 80's. And it is even more so for children. According to a recent poll by First Focus Campaign for Children, nearly 60 percent of Americans believe that children's lives are worse off now than they were 10 years ago and only 20 percent think that children are better off. Six million children under the age of six are living in poverty -- in families struggling to make ends meet with annual incomes under $24,000 for a family of four.More

NoozhawkThis week, the First Focus Campaign for Children, a national, bipartisan children’s advocacy group, recognized Rep. Lois Capps, D-Santa Barbara, as a “Champion for Children” for her leadership on issues important to children during the 112th Congress (2011-12).This is the third year in a row that Capps has been recognized.“Investments in our children are investments in our future,” Capps said. “That means ensuring they have access to quality health care and education, safe places to live, and access to opportunities to help them now and as they grow. And these investments have a ripple effect, strengthening families and engaging...

Queens GazetteCongressmember Joe Crowley (D-Queens, The Bronx) recently received the 2012 Defender of Children Award from the First Focus Campaign for Children, a national, bipartisan children’s advocacy organization. Crowley was selected for his commitment to advocating on behalf of children in policy and budget decisions. This is the second consecutive year Crowley has received this award.“I am honored to be recognized by the First Focus Campaign for Children for my efforts to help our nation’s children. As a father of three, I know just how important it is to set a solid foundation for our children. The sad reality...

Fremont BulletinU.S. Rep. Pete Stark, D-Fremont, was named a 2012 Champion of Children this week by the First Focus Campaign for Children. The campaign is a national bipartisan children's advocacy organization based in Washington, D.C."I am honored to be a 2012 Champion for Children by the First Focus Campaign for Children," Stark said. "The only way our nation will thrive is if we invest in our children. Right now, only 8 percent of the federal budget is invested in kids. We need to change our priorities and make sure that all children are safe, healthy and have access to...

Voices (Woodbury, Connecticut)Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro, D-3, was named a Champion for Children by the First Focus Campaign for Children, a national, bipartisan children’s advocacy group.Congresswoman DeLauro was recognized for her leadership on issues important to children during the 112th Congress (2011-2012). ...

The Post Newspaper GroupThe bipartisan First Focus Campaign for Children is recognizing Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-Oakland) as a 2012 Champion for Children, based on her legislative agenda that prioritizes the needs of children and youth locally, nationally and globally. “I am truly honored to receive this recognition,” Lee said. ...More