Sen. Steve Hobbs, D-Lake Stevens, was one of 12 legislators named a "Champion for Children" last week by the Children's Alliance which advocates on behalf of the state's kids.

"These honors are given for accomplishment, not effort," said Children's Alliance deputy director Jon Gould. "Each of these 12 state legislators put their leadership skills to work for children. They joined with us during the 2012 legislative session to make children a priority, and their work paid off for kids."

The organization selected Hobbs for his advocacy on behalf of keeping Apple Health for Kids, the state’s health care program for children, intact. Hobbs also fought successfully to include funding in the budget to help more children of color have access to health care.