Opinion – Lauren Huizenga: Chris McDaniel is a champion for Northern Kentucky

Have you ever heard of a boxer punching above their weight? That’s what northern Kentucky has in Senator Chris McDaniel.

As the powerful chairman of the Senate Appropriations and Revenue Committee, the committee that develops the state budget, he is in a unique position to deliver for northern Kentucky’s families and children.

McDaniel delivered big for Covington Partners in the last state budget cycle. Covington Partners is a data-driven local nonprofit that supports our school districts with quality out of school time programming, mentorship, parent engagement and summer learning opportunities for some of our state’s most at risk students.

The allocation from the state budget Senator McDaniel helped secure for Covington Partners will enable the organization to continue its expansion efforts outside of Covington into school districts in our neighboring river cities as well as inside additional schools within the Covington Independent School District.

Covington Partners is a national leader in building and implementing programming embedded in school districts in the areas of substance abuse prevention, health and wellness, leadership and academic success.

One of the unique programs developed by Covington Partners to engage community members and leaders with students is the Lunch Buddies program. Lunch Buddies provides an opportunity for a mentor to be paired with an elementary student where the two eat lunch together once a week in the school cafeteria.

It is incredible the impact the Lunch Buddies program provides for both the student and the mentor. When you mentor ONE student, you can change TWO lives.

Senator McDaniel is active in Covington and knows first-hand the role education plays in life long success. His ability to prioritize money for the critical work of Covington Partners is a game changer for the students and families in northern Kentucky.

As a Covington resident and firm believer that successful and supported families and students are essential to a vibrant and thriving community, I’m beyond grateful to Senator McDaniel for his advocacy and support for Covington Partners.

Northern Kentucky is so fortunate to have Chris McDaniel fighting for us in Frankfort.

Lauren Huizenga is General Counsel and senior vice president at Wendal Inc., a tech company located in Covington. She is a board member of Covington Partners, a member of Covington Partners Executive Committee and chair of its Development Committee.

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