Senator Kennedy's Passion for Making It Right for Children

by Helen Blank, Director of Leadership and Public Policy, 
National Women’s Law Center 

Ted Kennedy touched all of our hearts when he led the audience of children, legislators, and advocates in singing the Eensy Weensy Spider at the ceremony held in the House of Representatives to mark the passage of the 2007 Head Start reauthorization.

His passion for making it right for children and families led to a continuous improvement and expansion of the Head Start program, the creation of Early Head Start, the enactment of the first comprehensive child care legislation, health care for children, and the Ryan White Act.  His commitment and engaging personality won over colleagues including those from across the aisle – most notably Senator Hatch to co-champion many of his efforts on behalf of children.

Senator Kennedy built bridges with his colleagues, advocates, and the children and families he so deeply cared about. It won’t be the same and it won’t be as much fun as he made working for children.