House Republican Press Release

April 21, 2006

Press Office: 860-240-8700

Klarides Applauds Senate Passage of Healthy Beverages Bill

HARTFORD- State Representative Themis Klarides today applauded the passage of a bill which restricts the kinds of beverages that may be sold to students in school, and requires the state Department of Education to set nutritional standards for school children.  It also provides a financial incentive for local and regional boards of education to certify that their schools meet the SDE standards. It eliminates the existing requirement that boards of education provide nutritious and low-fat drink options and extends the requirement that boards provide nutritious and low fat food options.

“Childhood obesity is on the rise statewide and nationally,” said Representative Klarides.  “There is no question that access to snacks and drinks at school that are high in sugar and fat are contributing to the problem.  While these restrictions are not the complete answer to addressing childhood obesity, school systems should have a responsibility to provide healthful foods and drinks to children while they are on school grounds.”

Last year, Representative Klarides worked successfully for the passage of a school nutrition measure which made it through both the House and senate, only to be vetoed by Governor M. Jodi Rell.  This year, she hopes the healthy beverages measure will make it through both chambers and earn the governor’s signature.

The bill, SB 373, now heads to the House of Representatives for action there.