Megan Cotter racks up another honor

Legislators honored by RI Kids Count for their work to protect children 

Megan Cotter wins this year's Children's Champion Award

Sen. Pamela J. Lauria, Sen. Bridget Valverde, Rep. Justine A. Caldwell and Rep. Megan L. Cotter have been honored by Rhode Island Kids Count for their achievements in the General Assembly in protecting children’s health and safety.

The four legislators were honored today at Kids Count’s Celebration of Children’s Health and Well-Being, held at the Providence Marriott.

Representative Caldwell (D-Dist. 30, East Greenwich, West Greenwich) and Senator Lauria (D-Dist. 32, Barrington, Bristol, East Providence) were presented with the organization’s Children’s Champion Award for their efforts throughout their legislative careers to enact gun safety laws, including legislation passed this year to require safe storage of firearms.

“Representative Justine Caldwell and Senator Pam Lauria have been strong and persistent leaders for common sense gun safety laws that help to reduce injuries and deaths related to guns. Rhode Island Kids Count is thrilled to celebrate the passage of the Safe Storage Act and recognize Rep. Caldwell and Sen. Lauria for their tenacity and courage with a Children’s Champion Award,” said Kids Count Executive Director Paige Parks.

 Representative Cotter and Senator Valverde were honored with the Children’s Champion Award for their effective advocacy in raising rates for Early Intervention providers this year to help alleviate unacceptably long waits families have endured for services.

“Rhode Island Kids Count is pleased to honor Representative Megan Cotter and Senator Bridget Valverde with a Children’s Champion Award in recognition of their leadership on behalf of babies and toddlers who cannot afford to wait for the Early Intervention services needed to address developmental delays. The increased Medicaid rates for Early Intervention was a big win for young children with disabilities. We are thrilled to celebrate this victory with this well-deserved award,” said Parks.

Sen. Hanna M. Gallo (D-Dist. 27, Cranston, West Warwick) and Rep. Julie A. Casimiro (D-Dist. 31, North Kingston, Exeter) also spoke at the event, delivering remarks on behalf of the Senate and House of Representatives, respectively.