SEATTLE, WA – Senator Patty Murray was named a “YMCA Congressional Champion” in Washington, D.C., for her steadfast dedication and leadership in championing policies that promote access to nutrition and quality child care programs to enhance children’s healthy development and support families, and policies that increase funding to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, helping everyone live their healthiest lives.

“The Y is fortunate to have elected leaders such as Patty Murray,” said Steve Tammaro, CEO, YMCA of the Inland Northwest and Chair, Washington State Alliance of YMCAs.

“Senator Murray played an instrumental role in supporting the increase of the Child Care and Development Block Grant resulting in increased access to quality child care programs for children and working families. This is just one example of her commitment and investment in our children, our future, and our economy in Washington State and across the country.”

“As I was reminded while chatting with parents and child care providers during a recent visit to the YMCA in the Tri-Cities, supporting our children’s development, education, and health is one of the smartest investments we can make,” said Senator Murray. “I’m so thankful for the YMCAs across Washington State for doing the important work of helping prepare our children for success by providing high-quality, affordable child care, nutritious meals, safe places to stay, and chronic disease prevention to families across our state. I’m proud to fight alongside the YMCA and I’m going to keep pushing for more federal investments to help our children grow up happy, healthy, and thriving.”

Franzine Potts, CEO, YMCA of Grays Harbor, Loria Yeadon, CEO, YMCA of Greater Seattle and Liliana Reiter, student, Walla Walla High School/YMCA Youth & Government Program, presented the award March 6, 2019 during the YMCA of the USA’s annual National Advocacy Days. At the conference, 300 YMCA leaders from across the country traveled to visit members of Congress to discuss the vital role that YMCAs play in communities nationwide and to urge them to advance policies that support nurturing youth, promoting healthy living and fostering social responsibility. YMCA leaders also heard from national experts on strengthening communities.

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About the Y

The Y is one of the nation’s leading nonprofits strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Across the U.S., 2,700 Ys engage 21 million men, women and children – regardless of age, income or background – to nurture the potential of children and teens, improve the nation’s health and well-being, and provide opportunities to give back and support neighbors. Anchored in more than 10,000 communities, the Y has the long-standing relationships and physical presence not just to promise, but to deliver, lasting personal and social change. ymca.net.