Hirono Named Congressional “Champion for Children”

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) has been named a 2022 Champion for Children by the bipartisan advocacy organization First Focus Campaign for Children. The distinction recognizes Senator Hirono’s leadership on issues including combatting childhood food insecurity, reforming the criminal justice system, and supporting immigrant children and families.

“Every child deserves the opportunity to reach their full potential, and I’m working to help ensure they have the support they need to do so,” said Senator Hirono. “Senate Democrats have worked to provide advance monthly payments to families through the expanded Child Tax Credit, invest in our public schools, expand support for immigrant children and families, ensure every child has food to eat, and more. I’m honored to be named a Champion for Children, and I’ll keep fighting to support the health, safety, and education of our keiki in Hawaii and beyond.”

First Focus Campaign for Children’s 2022 Legislative Scorecard ranks members of Congress according to votes and bill sponsorships taken during the 117th Congress that prioritize the well-being of children in the U.S. and around the world. The new report examines key pieces of legislation designed to reduce child poverty, protect unhoused children, aid those who lost caregivers to COVID-19, guard against environmental threats, ensure that children have enough to eat, and to address other issues critical to advancing the needs of all children everywhere. Just 20 members of the U.S. Senate, all Democrats, were named Champions for Children in the 117th Congress.

Senator Hirono has been a consistent champion for children in Hawaii and across the country. Last year, Senator Hirono helped pass the American Rescue Plan, which included $430 million in federal funding for Hawaii’s public schools. In May, she reintroduced the LIFT the BAR Act to reinstate access to federal benefits including the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) for immigrants, who currently must wait five years after entering the country before becoming eligible due to unjust policy enacted nearly 30 years ago. In June, Senator Hirono helped pass the Keep Kids Fed Act to extend funding and flexibility for schools and other programs that provide meals for children. In July, she called on the Biden Administration to address the specific barriers to accessing and affording formula that members of underserved communities faced.

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