| State
Senator John McKinney (R-Fairfield) today thanked fellow legislators
and local advocates for their work in helping to pass legislation
that will help improve the indoor air quality in schools.
Senator McKinney, who took a lead role in crafting the legislation
after the McKinley School in Fairfield was shut down in October
of 2000 due to severe mold contamination, said that leaders
of the legislature’s Environment Committee and local
Canary Committee should be commended for their hard work and
diligence. “In
2002 we simply ran out of time and the bill wasn’t
able to pass both chambers,” said Sen. McKinney. “Fortunately
we had a chance this year to resuscitate the legislation,
and with the help of Chairpersons of the Environment committee,
Sen. Donald Williams (D-Thompson), and Rep. Patricia Widlitz
(D-Guilford) and members of the community like Jo Ellen
Lawson, head of the Canary Committee, we were able to help
others recognize the importance that such a measure would
have on the health and safety of our children.”
According
to Sen. McKinney, this year’s legislation will:
·
Impose a more proper evaluation of school construction sites
· Hold schools accountable for improvements in air
quality
· Enhance the training of maintenance staff for the
proper care of ventilation systems
· Institute regular inspections of equipment
· Give broader authority to the Commissioner of Education
to address indoor air quality emergencies in schools.
“As
Ranking Member of the Environment Committee I have heard
a lot of testimony the past several years about the poor
air quality in schools throughout the state. From faulty
ventilation equipment, inadequate maintenance and other
structural failures, the situation became urgent,”
said Sen. McKinney. “We need to be sure the air children
and teachers are breathing while in school is safe.” |
