Healthy Schools Provision Advances

A proposal to reduce the use of pesticides in and around schools took a major step forward in May.

The Legislature’s Joint Finance Committee included the “Healthy Schools Initiative” in the biennial state budget, which is scheduled to be completed in the Legislature by June 30. The initiative is part of WEAC’s Legislative Agenda.

WEAC is part of a coalition of nearly 30 organizations working to ensure safe learning environments for children.

The Healthy Schools Initiative requires schools to have plans for pesticide applications.

School personnel involved in pesticide applications would be required to take training courses, and schools would have to notify parents, guardians and school staff before pesticides are applied on school grounds.

“Students and staff have a basic right to work and learn in a healthy environment,” WEAC President Terry Craney said.

Posted May 31, 2001