Sydney Kamlager-Dove: “I rise as a Representative of Los Angeles County, which is home to over 30,000 foster youth. As a co- chair of the…”

“I rise as a Representative of Los Angeles County, which is home to over 30,000 foster youth. As a co- chair of the Congressional Foster Youth Caucus, uplifting our most vulnerable young people is one of my key priorities in Congress. That is why, today, I am highlighting three bills I have sponsored to do just that. The Expanding Coverage for Former Foster Youth Act is a bipartisan and bicameral bill that would ensure that the more than 23,000 youth annually who lose healthcare coverage when they age out of the foster care system stay covered through age 26. These individuals, like all individuals, deserve access to comprehensive healthcare, regardless of family status. The Higher Education Access and Success Act would level the playing field for homeless and former foster youth seeking higher education and ensure that they are supported once enrolled. Higher education is integral to success, stability, and financial security. It must be accessible to all. Next week, I will introduce the Promoting Permanency Through Kinship Families Act, which would help keep foster children with family members permanently. We know that children achieve better outcomes when they remain with their families, and we can and must prioritize these existing relationships while also ensuring healthy and safe care. ____________________”