Rep. Foncello Named a 2024 Children’s Champion

**News Release Submitted by Connecticut House Republicans**

Aug. 26, 2024

State Representative Martin Foncello (R-Brookfield) was named a 2024 Children’s Champion by the Connecticut Early Childhood Alliance in a presentation Friday during the Danbury School Readiness Summer Professional Development Day.

The award recognizes people who’ve made “significant contributions to improving the lives of young children in Connecticut.” The Early Childhood Alliance is a statewide organization committed to getting all children healthy and ready to learn in kindergarten.

"That old saying of 'it takes a village' is a classic for a reason. It really does take a community coming together to raise happy, healthy, and successful children. I'm proud to advocate for our kids and their caregivers. Seeing the way the different organizations come together to support families is very moving," said Foncello.

Rep. Foncello was presented with the recognition by Vanessa Hawke, Manager of Connecticut Early Childhood Alliance for demonstrating his commitment to young children and caregivers.

"Representative Foncello played a significant role in this past legislative session and its victories for early childhood. He is an active participant in the Early Childhood Caucus, which met regularly to discuss progress and strategies for moving bills through the legislation. We wanted to extend our heartfelt gratitude to Rep. Foncello for his commitment to early childhood causes and families," said Hawke.

The Early Childhood Caucus met every two weeks throughout the legislative session. Some of their priorities included raising pay for childcare providers and growing the childcare workforce. Foncello is also a member of the legislature's Education Committee.