OLYMPIA – Last Monday, Sen. Lisa Brown, D – Spokane, received the 2011 Legislator of the Year Award from the Washington Student Association (WSA). Each year, the WSA recognizes a legislator for distinguished efforts in the policy arena on behalf of Washington students. 

Brown was acknowledged for her work to help student-parents gain access to high quality and affordable childcare for their young children through funding a child care matching grant.  The Workforce Board identified childcare access as the third greatest impediment to degree completion.   Addressing a large group of students on the Capitol steps Brown remarked:

“Student-parents inspire us with their resolve to do what they know they must if they are to improve their situation. I also know on a very personal level how important child care is for working adults and especially in single parent families.  In 1992 I sold my house, won elected office and gave birth to my son - who is now in his second year of college.  If it weren’t for the child care that I found for Lucas all those years ago, who knows if I would be standing here fighting for you today.”