Children’s advocacy group lists Tacoma legislator among its top advocates

OLYMPIA – Sen. Debbie Regala, D-Tacoma, is being honored in a ceremony today at Mary Bridge Children’s Hospital as a “Champion for Children” for her leading role in extending health care coverage for children.

Children’s Alliance, Washington’s advocacy organization for children, youth and families, recently released its “2006 Outstanding Legislators” list, honoring state legislators who made children a top priority in early learning, children’s health, the school breakfast program and families enrolled in the WorkFirst program.

“As a parent and grandmother, I care a great deal about the welfare and safety of our children,” Regala said. “And I am honored to be recognized by an organization that believes so strongly in its mission to improve the lives of children. As a strong supporter of social justice, I believe it’s absolutely essential to invest in our children’s future, including their health.”

Children’s Alliance Deputy Director Jon Gould said that Regala is a frontrunner on children and family issues, including health care coverage.

Gould pointed to Regala’s successful negotiation with legislative budget writers, expanding medical and dental coverage to children whose families are 200 percent below the poverty level. This year, the federal poverty threshold for a family of four is $40,000.

“Sen. Regala was one of the first legislators to come out and say that it’s wrong to make low-income families pay a monthly premium on their child’s Medicaid,” Gould said. “Because of her efforts this legislative session, 7,000 more children will have access to health care--that’s why Children’s Alliance chose her as a champion for children.”

At first glance, Regala’s low-key style doesn’t reveal her legislative tenacity. But it does show her thoughtful approach to public policy. Although some discussions are sensitive and volatile, she doesn’t let that stop her from finding solutions to tough issues.

“These days, it seems that we frequently hear sad stories about children and families,” Regala said. “It can feel overwhelming. But as a legislator, I have an obligation to listen to those stories and ask, ‘How could that have been prevented?’ and work toward that end.”

Regala has a long history of shepherding children’s causes through the Legislature. Last year, she successfully sponsored a bill for the Washington Council for the Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect creating the “Kids Keep Safe” vanity license plate. The specialty plate features five baby handprints, painted in blue, orange and yellow colors. The licensing fee provides funding for child abuse and neglect prevention programs, parenting classes and shaken baby syndrome awareness. The plates were made available to the public earlier this year.

The Children’s Alliance is a statewide advocacy group that champions public policies and practices that deliver the essentials that kids need to thrive — confidence, stability, health, and safety.

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