Throughout his distinguished career, Senator Dodd has focused most of his attention to the needs of families and children. In 1983, he founded the Senate Children's Caucus to focus the attention of Congress in child abuse, latch-key children and high school dropouts. His Act for Better Childcare increased the affordability, availability and quality of child care for working families. As chairman of the Senate Subcommittee on Children, Families, Drugs, and Alcoholism, Dodd spearheaded efforts to establish 12 weeks of unpaid leave for individuals facing family emergencies.

Dodd was named Head Start Senator of the Decade for his efforts in this area and he also authored the Better Access to Student Aid Act. In addition to his work for children and families, Dodd has successfully fought for many other critical causes.

A graduate of Providence College, Dodd spent two years in the Peace Corps. After joining the Army and serving in the Reserves, he received a law degree from the University of Louisiana School of Law.

Note: This bio appeared in the February 5, 1994 program for our "Children and Education, a Look Into The Future" Forum.