On June 24, Sen. Jeanne Kohl-Welles of the 36th District was awarded the State Poverty Action Network’s 2010 Leadership award in honor of her commitment to addressing poverty in Washington.

“Sen. Kohl-Welles has been a consistent leader in the legislature on issues that affect low-income families and children," Tony Lee, the State Poverty Action Network's policy director, said in a press release. "She has championed protections for victims of trafficking and people impacted by predatory lending practices. She has also been a leading advocate for increasing training and education opportunities for low-income parents.”

Kohl-Welles chairs the Senate Labor, Commerce & Consumer Protection Committee that heard two key antipoverty measures during the 2010 session: Senate Bill 6252 and Senate Bill 6648. SB 6252 would have eliminated the use of credit scores to set insurance rates. SB 6648 would have required mediation between borrowers facing foreclosure and lenders.

“I believe in economic equity and equal opportunity," Kohl-Welles said in a press release. "I have strived to make a difference in this regard throughout my entire public career. I am honored to receive this award, and I share it with the tireless advocates who have also dedicated their lives to bettering the plights of all Washingtonians.”