Sen. Kit Bond Receives “Investing in Children” Award From Vision for Children at Risk

Honored for Accomplishments Advancing the Well-Being of Children

Vision for Children at Risk has presented its Investing in Children Award to retiring U.S. Sen. Christopher “Kit” Bond for his career accomplishments. The award was given December 9 at the St. Louis Metropolitan Children’s Summit organized by Vision for Children at Risk.

The Investing in Children Award recognizes leaders who contribute to increasing community investments promoting the well-being of children and exhibit bold leadership in addressing children’s issues.

“During his 23 years in the U.S. Senate and two terms as Missouri governor, Sen. Bond has championed legislation and funding for many important policies and programs benefiting children,” said Richard Patton, executive director of Vision for Children at Risk.

Patton noted Bond’s many accomplishments in the Senate on behalf of children and families, including the Ready to Learn Act, the Family and Medical Leave Act, the State Children’s Health Insurance Program (S-CHIPS), the Birth Defects Prevention Act, national introduction of the Parents as Teachers program, federally qualified health centers, and landmark legislation to provide quality and affordable child care. Sen. Bond also has secured millions of dollars in federal funding for the St. Louis area in child health services, day care and much more.

As governor, Bond worked to establish the statewide Parents as Teachers program which is a national model, and the Missouri Children’s Trust Fund providing funding for child-abuse prevention. Other accomplishments include enacting child safety seat legislation and improving prenatal services.

“We congratulate Sen. Bond on his outstanding accomplishments benefiting Missouri children. Many successful programs and services today are testament to his efforts,” Patton said.