Senator Eddie Lucio, Jr. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Thursday, Feb. 13, 2003 CONTACT: Doris Sanchez Phone: (512) 463-0127 Sen. Lucio files Texas Schoolchildrens Nutrition and Health Act Sets guidelines for vending machines in public schools AUSTIN, TXToday state Sen. Eddie Lucio, Jr. (D-Brownsville) announced the filing of his Texas Schoolchildrens Nutrition and Health Act, Senate Bill 474, at a press conference in Austin aimed at eliminating obesity and poor nutritional habits among public school children through a series of innovative provisions. State Rep. Jaime Capelo (D-Corpus Christi), who has made improving nutrition and health in public schools one of his main priorities, has agreed to sponsor the bill in the House. Agriculture Commissioner Susan Combs, a staunch advocate of promoting better eating habits among children, worked closely with Sen. Lucio to develop a sound and comprehensive proposal. All of us as parents are concerned about the health and welfare of our children, and we think this is a giant step in creating the environment which will help them adopt healthier lifestyles, said Sen. Lucio. If were willing to spend money to maintain the life of our automobiles, why shouldnt we spend a little more on our kids so they live longer and healthier lives? Obesity is a growing epidemic in Texas and it contributes to serious long-term health conditions such as diabetes and heart disease. I have previously filed legislation seeking to establish good public policy regarding the food that is available to our school children. In partnership with Sen. Lucio, Commissioner Combs, the Texas Education Agency (TEA), the Texas Department of Health (TDH), the Texas Dietetic Association and the Texas School Food Service Association, we will have better nutrition in our schools and better health for our school children. The future of Texas economy is directly tied to the health of our children, said Rep. Capelo, chairman of the Public Health Committee. | |
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