WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, on the 100th day of the Obama Presidency, First Focus, a bipartisan children’s advocacy organization, applauded the President and the new Congress for its early efforts on behalf of America’s children. Specifically, the organization praised several significant measures achieved since January, including the passage of legislation to reauthorize the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), as well as significant investments in programs that improve the lives of our young people.

First Focus President Bruce Lesley released the following statement:

“In just 100 days, the Obama Administration and the 111th Congress accomplished more for children than lawmakers have in a decade. Paramount among these achievements is the renewal and strengthening of the Children’s Health Insurance Program, which included significant strides to improve the lives of legal immigrant children and pregnant women across America. President Obama and the Congress eliminated a law that was imposed a five-year waiting period on immigrant children who are here legally before they are eligible for health care programs like the Children’s Health Insurance Program. These children now have access to preventive care such as vaccinations and regular check-ups as well as treatment for health problems such as asthma or cancer.

“In addition, the first 100 days saw the President and Congress join together to achieve historic funding increases for children’s programs. This is largely due to the passage of the economic recovery package and the fiscal year 2009 appropriations legislation. The measures have yielded boosts to education grants, foster care and adoption assistance, nutrition services, the Head Start program and improvements to the Child Tax Credit, among others. These investments ensure that every child growing up in our nation has a chance to achieve their full potential.

“While the first 100 days has seen a recognition and reversal of the downward trend of spending on children, there is still much work to be done. As President Obama prepares to release his fiscal year 2010 budget, we urge him to work with the Congress to continue their acknowledgment of the importance of investing in our children and our future.”

Click here to learn more about the fiscal year 2009 appropriations legislation’s investment in our children.

Click here to learn how the economic recovery package delivered for America’s children.

Click here to learn more about the Children’s Health Insurance Program.