A leading national public safety group, Fight Crime: Invest in Kids, today recognized Assembly Republican Leader Connie Conway, of Tulare, for her efforts to protect education and promote crime prevention programs.  Today in Sacramento, the group presented Conway with the "2012 Crime Fighter Award".

"I am honored to present this Crime Fighter Award to Assembly Republican Leader Connie Conway," said Woodlake Chief of Police John Zapalac. "She has consistently proven herself to be a champion of evidenced-based education strategies that help keep kids engaged in the classroom, in school and off of the streets. She understands that what's good for kids is also good for public safety."

Fight Crime: Invest in Kids is an anti-crime organization of over 5,000 police chiefs, sheriffs, prosecutors, and violence survivors. The organization also uses research to educate the general public and policymakers about what prevents kids from becoming criminals.

"As a mother and a grandmother, I know that our state's most important investment is in our children.  I am honored to receive this recognition from Fight Crime: Invest in Kids.  I also appreciate their work on the front lines to keep our communities safe and ensure our children have the tools they need to succeed," said Conway.

Under Conway's leadership, for the past two years Republicans have presented budget solutions that protect classroom funding without tax increases.  For more information, visit: www.cabudgetfactcheck.com.