Detroit, MI —  Today, Congresswoman Carolyn Cheeks Kilpatrick (13th District, Michigan) thanked the Children’s Defense Fund Action Council (CDFAC) for naming her one of the “Best Representatives for Children.”

“I am honored that the Children’s Defense Fund Action Council has acknowledged my efforts to ensure that children in Michigan and across the country acquire the skills and resources they need to achieve their potential,” said Congresswoman Kilpatrick. “Children represent 30 percent of our population, but they are 100 percent of our future. I will continue working to make sure they have access to quality healthcare and educational and economic development opportunities.”

According to the CDFAC’s 2007 Nonpartisan Congressional Scorecard, which was released today and grades every Member of Congress based on key votes affecting children, the Congresswoman voted to protect the health and well-being of Michigan’s children 100 percent of the time. Congresswoman Kilpatrick achieved this distinction by voting to support the first increase in the minimum wage in a decade, access and quality improvements in Head Start, and additional funds for student loans.

“I applaud Congresswoman Kilpatrick for her commitment to improving the lives of children in Michigan,” said CDFAC President Marian Wright Edelman. “With 9.4 million uninsured children in America and nearly 13 million living in poverty, it is critical that we have Representatives committed to making children a priority. Congresswoman Kilpatrick is a dedicated advocate for children and has truly earned the distinction of being one of the best Representatives for children.”

The Children’s Defense Fund Action Council educates the nation about the needs of children and encourages preventative investment before they get sick or into trouble, drop out of school, or suffer family breakdown. Begun in 1969, the CDFAC is a private, non-profit organization that has never taken government funds. CDFAC developed an interactive map and other online tools to show how Members of Congress voted by state. To see the interactive map and the complete 2007 Congressional Scorecard, which includes the grades of all Members of Congress, visit www.cdfactioncouncil.org.