JEFFERSON CITY — Senator David Sater, R-Cassville, recently received the Missouri Coalition of Children’s Agencies’ (MCCA) 2013 Champion for Children Award for his work in the Missouri General Assembly on behalf of Missouri’s children.
"Senator Sater is a tireless advocate for Missouri’s children in the State Capitol,” said MCCA executive director Mary Chant. “His efforts on behalf of foster children this past session means more of our young people will seek higher education, make a living wage, and have a chance for the future we all want for our kids.”
Senator Sater sponsored and passed Senate Bill 205 this year, which gives every child cared for by the state a visit to a state university or a military recruiter. During their visit, the child would receive information about financial aid and the application process, and would have the opportunity to tour the school. The bill also extends the age that a child may willingly re-enter foster care from 18 to 21. SB 205 passed the Senate and House with bipartisan support and was signed by the governor in June.
“I am honored and humbled to receive this award,” said Sen. Sater. “In Missouri, through education and hard work, we believe that every child can reach his or her greatest potential. This should be true for those young people in foster care as it for any other student. I am proud we were able to make this no-cost investment in our future that will give our state’s foster children the tools they need to succeed.”
The MCCA is made up of more than 50 members, mostly child- and family-serving organizations representing a vast range of services. It has been advocating for more than 35 years for Missouri’s at-risk, abused and neglected children, and the people who care for them. The presentation of the award was made at the MCCA 2013 Champions for Change conference on Nov. 13, 2013, at the Tan-Tar-A Resort in Osage Beach, Mo.
For more information on Senate Bill 205, as well as other bills sponsored by Sen. Sater, please visit his website at www.senate.mo.gov/sater. |
