Bill I lobbied for is passed!

[donco6]

Well, some good things have come out of our lobbying efforts on behalf of the Child Nutrition Programs:

"Last week, the House and Senate passed the Child Nutrition and WIC Reauthorization Act by unanimous consent. The legislation now goes to the White House for President Bush's signature into public law.

"This legislation reauthorizes federal school-meals programs, with the goal of simplifying procedures for children eligible for free or reduced-price lunch. Children who are eligible for food stamps or welfare would be automatically eligible. The bill requires that school districts accept a single application from a family with multiple children. School districts must also automate the application process. The bill also increases safeguards against including children who aren't eligible through income-verification.

***The legislation authorizes a pilot that would eliminate the reduced price fee in all or parts of five states. Children formerly eligible for reduced-price lunch would now be eligible to receive free lunch. The bill requires a report back to Congress on the impact of this change.***

The legislation requires every school district in the country to establish policies for improving the health of kids, including nutritional guidelines for the foods sold on school grounds.

http://capwiz.com/asbo/issues/bills/?bill=6057776

This is good news, especially the pilot for phasing out the reduced-lunch category, moving kids to free.

[Rose Siding]

1. Yay! What a relief

It's shameful that Congress has to be nudged into doing the right thing.

One down! :bounce:

[donco6]

2. I was surprised that we had that much support . . .

. . . considering the reception in some legislator's offices. Our local repugs shuffled us off to the staffers - most of whom are 23-year old neobrownshirts. The Dems were very gracious, though.