Jimmy Wayne Travels To Sacremento To Support Foster Care Bill

Jim Beall and Jimmy Wayne

VALORY MUSIC CO. artist JIMMY WAYNE was the guest of Assembly Member JIM BEALL YESTERDAY (5/3) in observance of MAY as “National Foster Care Month.” WAYNE, who grew up in foster care, traveled to SACRAMENTO to speak with lawmakers on behalf of BEALL’s Assembly Bill 12, legislation that allows CALIFORNIA to take advantage of federal law and draw down funds to help extend foster care benefits beyond age 18 to age 21. WAYNE also received a resolution in recognition of his work to raise awareness of the plight of homeless foster care youth.

BEALL said: “I’m grateful for JIMMY WAYNE’s support for AB 12. As someone who was in foster care, he can effectively explain how we can help youth overcome the problems they face as they leave of the foster care system. I think he’s a tremendous advocate.’’

WAYNE is currently on his “Meet Me Halfway” walk to raise awareness for homeless teens. He began walking on JANUARY 1st from NASHVILLE and will end in PHOENIX.

WAYNE said: "I support AB 12 because I know first hand the importance of having a support system. During my childhood, I was in and out of the Foster Care system, and at one point I was homeless. At 16, I was taken in by BEA and RUSSELL COSTNER. They gave me a home and a foundation of love and support, enabling me to finish high school and attend college. Most foster kids aren't that lucky. Without anyone to care for them and help them, they 'age out' of the foster care system at 18, and often become homeless. Many do not have the means to support themselves. That's why I believe extending foster care benefits to age 21 is a priority. We can give these worthy young people the opportunity they deserve to become productive citizens."

BEALL contacted WAYNE to ask for a visit after WAYNE sent a joyous TWITTER message when AB 12 was approved by the Assembly. The bill is now in the SENATE HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE. WAYNE’s trip was sponsored by CADENCE DESIGN SYSTEMS and the FOSTER CARE MONTH COALITION. The coalition held its 6th annual kick-off to “National Foster Care Month” in CALIFORNIA YESTERDAY (5/3) at the STATE CAPITOL’s north steps. BEALL and WAYNE both attended.

Find out more about JIMMY WAYNE’s journey at meetmehalfway.jimmywayne.com and find out how you can donate to help the effort.

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