Children’s Wisconsin honors state lawmakers with Champion Policy Award

Children’s Wisconsin has awarded State Senator Mary Felzkowsi (R-Tomahawk) and State Representative Robert Wittke (R-Racine) with the tenth annual Children’s Champion Policy Awards. Jodi Bloch, director of state and local government relations at Children’s Wisconsin, presented these awards.

“Working in partnership with our elected officials is vital to achieving Children’s Wisconsin’s vision that Wisconsin kids will be the healthiest in the nation,” said Bloch. “We simply can’t do this work without key partners who want to work together toward policy solutions that help Wisconsin’s kids and families thrive. These two honorees embody partnership and collaboration on our shared vision to improve kids’ health and well-being.”

The Children’s Champion Policy Award honors public policy leaders in Wisconsin who strive to make a positive impact in the lives of Wisconsin children and families. Children’s Wisconsin honors those who work to support sustainable funding for safety-net providers and move health and child well-being policy forward.

Senator Felzkowski was recognized for her long-time leadership on dental and oral health care issues. She has worked tirelessly to champion dental therapists, mid-level oral health providers, in Wisconsin. She also serves on the Wisconsin Oral Health Coalition Steering Committee. Representative Wittke has been a dedicated advocate for kids, especially championing school-based mental health programs and working to expand oral health access for kids.

Both lawmakers hold key leadership roles that were instrumental in securing $4.78 million in the last state budget to expand Children’s Wisconsin’s Dental Clinic to help care for more children, including children with special health care needs.

Children’s Wisconsin looks forward to working together with our local, state and federal elected officials to ensure all of Wisconsin’s kids are the healthiest in the nation because kids deserve the best.