Funding to support healthy schools is facing strong headwinds as the Trump administration attempts to dismantle the US Department of Education and cut US EPA by 50 percent. But the focus in Washington is now shifting to the appropriations process in Congress. Healthy Schools Network, along with our partners American Lung Association, and Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, kept the spotlight on children by urging members of Congress to join Senator Gillibrand (NY) and Representatives McClellan (VA) and Dexter (OR) in supporting funding for EPA’s school environmental health programs. The request garnered a strong show of support in Congress: 20 senators and 30 representatives signed letters to House and Senate appropriations committees backing the funding.
$100 million needed at EPA: The two letters (House and Senate) urge $100 million for EPA’s assistance to schools, including the Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) Tools for Schools program. Poor IAQ is a major unaddressed environmental hazard in schools. It’s a complex problem, the result of many factors. Educators and school officials need expert help to improve schools’ IAQ, and that’s exactly what EPA provides. Its critically important outreach, guidance, and tools help school leaders and communities identify and tackle IAQ problems.
Congressional sign-ons: Letters like these are very important. They keep issues on the front burner. And they demonstrate that healthy schools are a priority for many members of Congress as appropriators debate funding levels.
Healthy Schools Network lauds Senator Gillibrand and Representatives McClellan and Dexter for leading this effort. And we thank all 50 of the members of Congress who joined in support of healthy schools.
Please thank your members of Congress: let them know you appreciate their support. The signers, and the letters themselves, are available to view (click here for Senate letter, click here for House letter). You can find your member of Congress by entering your zip code at this link.
We will push hard to build Congressional support for keeping kids healthy and safe at school, this year and every year.
How to Really Make Children Healthy: Address Environmental Health at School
Last week, the Trump administration released a report, “Make Our Children Healthy Again,” drawing attention to several causes of chronic childhood disease, including toxic exposures, unhealthy foods, overmedication, and declining physical activity. While the report raises many important issues, it said little about unhealthy school environments. For instance, the plan mentions asthma, but doesn’t mention that asthma triggers are often found in schools, where children spend a lot of time. Asthma is the most common chronic disease in children and a leading cause of missed school days due to chronic illness. The report was released as part of the administration’s Make America Healthy Again initiative.
HS Network comment: Put K-12 schools on the administration’s children’s agenda: The administration now plans to develop a strategy for reducing childrens’ chronic disease–a good idea. But no strategy can succeed without healthy school environments. Working with partners, we will push the administration to make healthy school learning environments a priority in the MAHA strategy. Look for updates in NewsSlice in the weeks ahead.
Other news on schools
- Plan to dismantle Department of Education blocked: A federal judge issued an injunction blocking the administration’s executive order to dismantle the federal education department and ordered it to reinstate thousands of laid-off workers. The administration immediately appealed. Stay tuned for more news on ED.
- Maryland elementary school evacuated as floodwaters breached second floor: A dramatic example of how increasing–and increasingly severe–weather affects schools: 150 children and 50 staffers at Westernport Elementary School had to be rescued by boat after flash flooding.
- LA recycling plant to shut down after years of endangering a nearby school: A metal recycling plant in LA reached a plea deal to shut down after decades of complaints about air pollution, lead exposure, and even shrapnel flying onto the grounds of nearby Jordan High School.
From our partners
Attention middle and high school teachers–professional development on green chemistry: Beyond Benign’s online summer courses help teachers learn more about principles and practices of green chemistry. Apply by June 1. Courses are available throughout the summer. Thanks to the NYS Pollution Prevention Institute for bringing these professional development opportunities to our attention as a follow-up to its presentation for the 23rd National Healthy Schools Day in April.
Thanks for reading, and thanks for your commitment to children.
