Hello-

I wanted to give you some quick information on what was in the budget. The Healthy Schools Act is indeed proposed as part of the Governor’s Education budget. I have attached a summary for your review and I will be preparing a response memo and materials for conference attendees. In the meantime can you please review and let me know your thoughts?

The quick version of what is proposed is 

1) by 7/31/08 standards would be recommended by DOH to SED 

2) by 10/1/08 the state subsidy would increase on reduced meals by 25 cents, permitting these meals to be provided at no cost to eligible students 

3) by 12/31/08 the Commissioner of SED would be required to recommend regulations establishing nutritional standards for food and beverages in schools 

4) by no later than 2/1/09 and every five years thereafter, Commissioner of SED would be required to report to the New York State Board of education, the legislature and the governor on the results of an assessment of the current levels of physical activity and nutritional instruction in all schools 

5) by 7/1/09 require that all school districts participating in the national school lunch act file a local wellness policy with SED 

6) the regulations promulgated by SED with input from DOH and Ag and Markets would take effect no later than 9/1/09 

7) beginning 10/1/2009 the state subsidy on ALL school meals would be increased by 7 cents 

8) by 9/1/2011 all middle schools and high schools participating in the national school lunch program would offer a school breakfast program 

9) by no later than 12/15/2011 and once a year each following year, the bill would require SED in collaboration with DOH and Ag and Markets to report to the Legislature and Governor.

While this may not be perfect. . .we have come a long way!

Let me know your thoughts.

Laura

Laura K. Turnblom, Esq.
Malkin & Ross
100 State Street, Suite 400
Albany, NY 12207
(p) 518-449-3359
(f) 518-449-5788
(e) lturnblom@malkinross.com

Click Here to view the 2008 Budget Proposal

Click Here to view the 2008 Budget Language