Senate passes lead testing bill for water at schools

SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois senate

passed legislation recently meant to

address the issue of lead contamination in

drinking water and other water supplies.

The legislation, SB 550, would require

schools built before the year 2000 with

students fifth grade and below and

licensed day cares to test drinking water

and water used for cooking.

State Senator Donne Trotter

(D-Chicago) was one of the bill’s chief cosponsors

in the Senate.

“If we don’t address this issue in

schools now, we are going to continue to

see huge disparities in education,” said

Trotter. “Older schools in heavy low income

and minority areas are much

more likely to be effected, leading to

developmental delays, learning disabilities

and many other significant health

problems. That is why lead testing is so

important.”

The legislation now goes to the

governor’s desk.

Latest Stories