SEN. JULIE RAQUE ADAMS RECEIVES FRANK HARSHAW THERMOSTAT AWARD IN CHILD ADVOCACY

FRANKFORT, KY (March 6, 2025)— Kentucky Youth Advocates honored Sen. Julie Raque Adams, R-Louisville, with the Frank Harshaw Thermostat Award during Children’s Advocacy Day at the Capitol. The award recognizes her unwavering dedication to advancing policies that protect and support Kentucky’s children and families.

Adams has been a steadfast advocate for child safety and family preservation, championing key legislation that strengthens protections for vulnerable children and supports families facing hardship. Her leadership on policies like Senate Bill (SB) 73, which combats online sexual extortion (sextortion) and empowers young Kentuckians with the knowledge to stay safe in digital spaces, exemplifies her commitment to prioritizing child welfare.

“It is an incredible honor to receive this recognition,” said Adams. “The well-being of Kentucky’s kids has always been at the heart of my work. Whether it’s strengthening protections against online exploitation or supporting policies that help families stay together, I will continue to advocate for our most vulnerable.”

The Thermostat Award is named in honor of Frank Harshaw, a dedicated advocate for children, and is awarded to leaders who take proactive steps to set the agenda for meaningful child-focused policy reforms. Senator Adams’ work continues to shape Kentucky’s legislative landscape in ways that provide greater security and stability for families across the Commonwealth.

The award was presented during the Rally for Kentucky Kids, a central event of Children’s Advocacy Day, which is part of Children’s Advocacy Week (March 3-7). Hosted annually by Kentucky Youth Advocates, the event brings together advocates, legislators, and young Kentuckians to push for policies that create a brighter future for children in the Commonwealth.

For more information on Kentucky Youth Advocates and their work, visit kyyouth.org.

Learn more about SB 73 and the 2025 Kentucky General Assembly at www.kylegislature.gov.

### 

Sen. Julie Raque Adams, R-Louisville, represents Kentucky’s 36th Senate District in eastern Jefferson County. Adams chairs the Senate Licensing and Occupations Committee. She also serves as a member of the Senate Committees on Banking and Insurance, Health Services, and State and Local Government. Adams is an Administrative Regulations Review Subcommittee member and recently served as a 2024 Kentucky Housing Task Force Member.

 

For a high-resolution .jpeg of Sen. Raque Adams, please visit: https://legislature.ky.gov/Legislators%20Full%20Res%20Images/senate136.jpg.