Lt. Gov. Coleman pushes health insurance for kids, education awards

FRANKFORT, Ky. (WTVQ) – During Gov. Andy Beshear’s daily briefing Wednesday, Lt. Gov. Jacqueline Coleman urged parents who are eligible to make sure they have health care for children

Coleman also encouraged Kentuckians to nominate educators for RISE Awards.

“We believe health care is not a privilege, an add-on to sweeten a job offer, a luxury or a convenience. Health care is a right for every Kentuckian,” the Lieutenant Governor said. “That is especially true for children.”

She urged eligible families to sign up for the Kentucky Children’s Health Insurance Program, or KCHIP, by visiting kidshealth.ky.gov or calling 877-KCHIP-18, or 877-524-4718.

Lt. Gov. Coleman, who also serves as secretary of the Kentucky Education and Workforce Development Cabinet, also spoke Wednesday about Kentucky’s participation in the U.S. Department of Education’s RISE Award, which stands for Recognizing Inspirational School Employees.

The award honors classified school employees who provide exemplary service to students.

“We are asking for nominations from parents, students, schools, school districts and non-profit organizations,” she said. “We are looking for nominees who demonstrate excellence in leadership, commitment and community involvement.”

Nominations can be made by visiting education.ky.gov. The deadline for nominations is Oct. 16.

Finally, Lt. Gov. Coleman thanked everyone who has participated in First Lady Britainy Beshear’s Coverings for Kids program, which provides school districts across the commonwealth with a supply of face masks for students. She noted that while the program is ending at the end of October, there is still time to take part.

For information and instructions on making masks, visit firstlady.ky.gov/coveringsforkids.