Mason Honored as Illinois Action for Children’s ‘Champion for Children’ for Leadership in Childcare, Family Services

GURNEE, Ill. – State Rep. Joyce Mason, D-Gurnee, was recently honored as a ‘2024 Champion for Children’ by the Illinois Action for Children (IAFC) as a ‘Champion for Children’ for her work advancing the causes of childcare and family services.

“Early years of child development are absolutely crucial, and as long as I represent my community, I will continue to fight to get working families the resources they need,” Mason said. “Kids with a stable home life and early childhood education are healthier, happier, less probable to pose any threat to public safety and more likely to succeed in the workplace. Illinois’ future can be built on robust childhood development assistance.”

The Illinois Action for Children’s Board of Directors chose Mason to honor her commitment to early care and education, promoting a brighter future for children throughout Illinois. Mason showed this commitment in her role as chairperson of the House Childcare Accessibility and Early Childhood Education Committee, as well as her work creating the Department of Early Childhood and securing funding in the 2025 budget for early childhood education scholarships.

“Every law we pass, every tax dollar we spend; I will bear in mind how these actions affect our children,” Mason said. “My passion in this area is not just rooted in my role as a mother, but in my understanding that if we want to build a stronger Illinois, it starts with kids. I thank the IAFC for their recognition and all the good they do.”