Rep. Baker Receives
“A Better Missouri for Children” Award
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The Missouri PTA (Parent Teachers Association) bestowed their annual “A Better Missouri for Children” award to Representative Brian L. Baker this past week recognizing the statewide leadership Rep. Baker has shown in the area of education.
Kathy Nevans, Missouri PTA President awarded the honor to Rep. Baker at a PTA Legislative Rally. “Representative Baker has a lifetime voting record consistently keeping with the purposes and priorities of the Missouri PTA and has consistently sponsored legislation to benefit or protect children and youth in Missouri,” stated Nevans.
Rep. Baker was unaware that he was receiving the award and was shocked by the honor. “I am not sure what to say…” stated Baker “…I feel guilty for receiving an award for simply doing the right thing for kids. However, I am extremely honored and very touched. I am grateful for the support of parents, teachers, and children.”
The “Better Missouri for Children” award was created in 1999 by the Missouri PTA (Parent-Teacher Association) as a means of giving thanks and showing appreciation to those legislators who have distinguished themselves as champions for Missouri's children and youth. Honored legislators are chosen because they have been advocates for children and youth and through their legislative efforts they have strived to rebuild a "Better Missouri for Children."
Some of the criteria in choosing this award are the following:
· A life-time voting record consistently aligned with the priorities of the Missouri PTA.
· Sponsoring legislation to benefit or protect children and youth;
· Accessible and responsive to PTA members;
· Exhibiting a lifestyle and conduct worthy of being called an advocate for children and youth;
· Distinguished as a spokesperson in the legislature on behalf of children and youth;
· Active in other organizations working on behalf of children and youth;
· Has worked tirelessly to make “A Better Missouri for Children.”
This award is given each year at a Missouri PTA Legislative Rally. These rallies are currently being held in February and March in regions throughout the state.
Representative Baker represents part of Cass County (District 123) in the Missouri House of Representatives. He was elected to the Missouri House in 2002.
Some of the legislation Representative Baker has proposed during his time in office included: keeping sex offenders away from schools and daycares; raising the bonding-capacity of schools to fix buildings and infrastructure; creating standards for gifted programs; and creating new educational programs that link technology with education.
In addition to his legislative duties, Representative Baker is the assistant pastor and ministry director for the First Baptist Church of Belton: Heartland Family Ministries.
