Children Now Honors Senator Portantino with Pro-Kid Champion Award

For Immediate Release: March 9, 2023

Contact: Lerna Shirinian, (818) 409-0400

Children Now Honors Senator Portantino with Pro-Kid Champion Award

Sacramento, CA – Senator Anthony J. Portantino (D – Burbank) was honored with the Pro-Kid Champion Award by Children Now during a legislative reception this week.  The Senator was honored for his leadership on policies that positively impact the lives of all children and improve their academic experience.

“I am so proud to receive this honor and be in a position to make a positive difference for the health and wellbeing of our children,” stated Senator Portantino. “I am thankful to Children Now for their advocacy and dedication to creating change and helping children reach their full potential.”

Since being elected to office, Senator Portantino has championed policies that place student wellbeing and success at the forefront of California’s legislative agenda – including later start times for high schools.  This year, the Senator’s legislative agenda includes proposals for expanding behavioral health services in schools, mental health education and training for students and teachers, screening for risk of dyslexia, addressing language barriers for IEP students, and improving emergency safety procedures for students with special needs.

“We are so excited to honor Senator Portantino, as one of our Pro-Kid Champions! He is one of the California legislators who earned a 100% score for their Pro-Kid leadership during the 2021-22 California legislative session. Earning this Pro-Kid Champion Award is a testament to his dedication to all our kids and all the support they need to thrive. We sincerely thank him for all he does!”  said Ted Lempert, President of Children Now.

Children Now is a non-partisan, whole-child research, policy development and advocacy organization dedicated to promoting children’s health, education and well-being in California. The organization also leads The Children’s Movement of California, a network of over 5,000 direct service, parent, youth, civil rights, faith-based and community groups dedicated to improving children’s well-being.

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