Dickerson scores for kids

Children’s Alliance says Dickerson was 100% for Kids in 2009

August 6, 2009

OLYMPIA—A new report by the Children's Alliance shows that no one votes to help Washington's children more consistently than state Rep. Mary Lou Dickerson (D-Seattle). The 36th District lawmaker scored a perfect 100 percent on the newly-released 2009 Legislative Scorecard from the Children's Alliance.

The Children's Alliance also hailed Dickerson leading role in passing legislation to "increase children's access to mental health services" and continue the state's commitment to developing "a children's mental health system that emphasizes early identification, intervention, and prevention."

Despite the state's budget woes, Dickerson's mental health reforms for children (House Bill 1373) earned the support of more than two-thirds of Washington's lawmakers.

"Children and education have been my top priorities ever since my first day as a state representative," said Dickerson. "I have tremendous respect for the Children's Alliance, so you can imagine how thrilled I am that such a great organization recognizes and appreciates my work for children and families."

The "Did They Vote for Kids?" scorecard monitored 14 bills that passed and were signed into law this year. According to the Children's Alliance, the featured bills were chosen because "each will have a significant positive effect on children and families, particularly vulnerable children."

In addition to Dickerson's mental health reforms for children, the featured bills included measures to strengthen basic education, improve early childhood education, expand access to the Apple Health for Kids program, improve children's services and reduce homelessness among children.