Public Policy Matters - March 1, 2011

In this issue:
Legislative Update
Children's Advocacy Day draws record crowd
Stay Informed

Legislative Update
HB 81, the school meal program bill: After passing the House on 2/11, the bill moved to the Senate Committee on Education on 2/15. It received two floor amendments on 2/24 to develop administrative regulations on, among other things, the collection of body mass index (BMI) data. The bill would now require that preventative health care examination forms include a measure of BMI, and require the Department of Education to share aggregate data from the forms with the Cabinet for Health and Family Services.
HB 89, the body mass index bill: This bill reported favorably in its first reading in the House Committee on Education on 2/15. The bill received amendments on 2/16 and 2/17 to allow aggregate data from the forms be used by the Cabinet for Health and Family Services, so that the Cabinet can assist state and community agencies and groups, including local public health departments, in promoting the use of good nutritional and exercises practices within their service area, as well as prohibit the sale of "energy drinks" to children under 18 years old.
HB 120, the educator evaluation bill: After passing the House on 2/11, the bill moved to the Senate Committee on Education on 2/16. In addition to the amendments made in the House, the bill received two floor amendments on 2/24. These amendments are nearly identical to those made to HB 81 (above).
HB 225, the dropout prevention bill: After passing the House on 2/10, the bill moved to the Senate Committee on Education on 2/15. Its second reading took place on 2/28.
HCR 13, the resolution to establish a Legislative Task Force on Childhood Obesity: After
being adopted by the House on 2/15, the resolution moved to the Senate Committee on State and Local Government on 2/18. Its second reading took place on 2/28.

Have questions? Contact Terry Tolan or Kevin Middleton for more information on UWKY's public policy agenda.

Children's Advocacy Day draws record crowd to Frankfort

A record breaking 1,300 Kentuckians from across the state kicked-off the 7th Children's Advocacy Day at the Capitol on February 17. Attendees heard from Governor Beshear, children's advocacy leaders, and students from around the state about the importance of legislation that promotes healthy, educated children and youth. Young people from the Indian Trail Elementary School Step Team, North Oldham Middle School Cheerleading Team, and Harlan County High School Choir performed.

Students, teachers, parents, and others spent the remainder of the day pushing the Blueprint for Kentucky's Children Agenda. They encouraged legislators to: respond in a more effective and cost-efficient way to things like kids missing school and running away from home, make sure we have the tools we need to combat childhood obesity, and ensure children attending alternative programs receive a quality education.

Thanks to all who helped make Children's Advocacy Day 2011 a success!

Stay informed and get involved!

Information on the status of each bill lawmakers are considering is available on the Bill Status Line, (866) 840-2835. A taped message containing information on legislative committee meetings is updated daily at (800) 633-9650.

Use your voice! To leave a message for any legislator, call the General Assembly's toll-free Message Line at (800) 372-7181.

People with hearing difficulties may leave messages for lawmakers by calling the TTY Message Line at (800) 896-0305. ¿Habla usted español? (866) 840-6574

You can also write any legislator by sending a letter with the lawmaker's name to: Capitol Annex, 702 Capitol Avenue, Frankfort, Kentucky 40601.

Public Policy Matters is a service of United Way of Kentucky. For more information on UWKY's public policy platform, visit uwky.org/policy.html.