By Peter Schorsch
Florida Politics
The Delegation News Blog
January 29, 2021
Clermont Republican Dan Webster may be more of a fixture in Washington these days, but he keeps an eye on Florida’s capital city as well. On Wednesday, the Congressman announced the 2020 Daniel Webster Leadership Award to Florida Senate President Pro Tempore Aaron Bean, a Fernandina Beach Republican.
The award each year recognizes individuals for a commitment to preventing child abuse and neglect. The honoree gets decided through communication between Webster’s Congressional office, Healthy Families Florida, and the Ounce of Prevention Fund. Healthy Families Florida came into existence while Webster served as Florida House Speaker in 1998.
(From left) Jennifer Ohlsen, Executive Director of Healthy Families Florida; DCF Secretary Chad Poppell; Senate President Pro Tempore Aaron Bean; Senate Majority Leader Kathleen Passidomo; Senate President Wilton Simpson; Sens. Doug Broxson, Jason Brodeur and Doug Sessions, Ounce of Prevention Fund of Florida CEO. Image via Healthy Families Florida.
“Throughout his Legislative service, Aaron Bean has been dedicated to protecting children and ensuring that they have hope for a bright future. He has consistently promoted positive change in our child welfare system and promoted a focus on preventing abuse and neglect,” Webster said.
The honor doesn’t always go to a politician, but this year Webster honored the longtime lawmaker in Bean’s last term in the Senate.
Bean said he was humbled by the award.
“Protecting children is one of our most important jobs,” he said. “Prevention programs not only save money but can completely transform the life of a child. It is my mission to help families and children not just survive, but thrive.”
Doug Sessions, president and CEO of the Ounce of Prevention Fund, praised both Webster and Bean as “advocates who recognize the long-lasting benefits of prevention services.” Chad Poppell, Florida Department of Children and Families Secretary, praised the organizations giving the award and Bean. “Healthy Families Florida is proven to prevent abuse and neglect and is an important partner in our mission,” Poppell said. “On behalf of Florida’s children and families, I am grateful to President Pro Tempore Bean for his support of programs that strengthen families and empower communities.”