WASHINGTON, D.C.—Congressman Charles B. Rangel (D-NY) and Congresswoman Hilda L. Solis (D-CA) will receive the 2006 Casey Family Programs Leadership Award for their tireless efforts to improve the lives of children and families in communities throughout the U.S.
Seattle-based Casey Family Programs, the largest national operating foundation whose sole mission is to provide and improve – and ultimately prevent the need for – foster care, will honor Representative Rangel and Representative Solis at a May 18 luncheon at the U.S. Capitol.
The Casey Family Programs Leadership Awards are presented annually to policymakers and leaders who have demonstrated unwavering commitment, leadership and action on behalf of the nation’s most vulnerable children.
“Rep. Rangel and Rep. Solis have fought tirelessly for positive, comprehensive change on behalf of children, youth and families,” said William C. Bell, President and CEO of Casey Family Programs. “Their dedication to this work – both in their home states and throughout the country – has improved the lives of countless children and families.”
"I thank Casey Family Programs for honoring me and my colleague, Hilda Solis, with their 2006 Leadership Award, and I commend the foundation for their wonderful work in advocating for those who are least able to fight for themselves--our foster children,” said Representative Rangel. “There is more work to be done, and it must be done, on behalf of those who, without help, are left truly alone in the world."
Congressman Rangel is serving his seventeenth term as the Representative from the 15th Congressional District in New York, comprising East and Central Harlem, the Upper West Side, and Washington Heights/Inwood. He is the Ranking Member of the Committee on Ways and Means, Chairman of the Board of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee and Dean of the New York State Congressional Delegation. Representative Rangel has long been a champion of the issues facing child welfare, including requesting that the Government Accountability Office examine why there is a disproportionate number of African-American children in the child welfare system. Casey Family Programs insists on equity in opportunities and outcomes for children by addressing the institutional racism that makes children of color more likely to be placed into foster care and less likely to receive services they need to succeed.
"Children's experiences today form the foundation of their future. That is why efforts to ensure that children are reared in safe, secure and loving homes are critical,” said Congresswoman Solis. "This is especially important for children in communities of color and other underserved communities who are at greater risk of falling through the cracks of our system. I am committed to continuing to work with our partners so all children have a brighter, healthier future tomorrow."
Congresswoman Solis is serving her third term in Congress as the Representative from the 32nd District of California, which includes East Los Angeles and the San Gabriel Valley. Congresswoman Solis serves on the House Energy and Commerce Committee, is the Ranking Member of the Environment and Hazardous Materials Subcommittee and is part of the Energy and Air Quality Subcommittee. She is also Democratic Chair of the Congressional Caucus on Women's Issues, and Chairwoman of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus' Task Force on Health.