1997-1998

1997 - 1998

“Protecting Our Children and Elderly from the Effects of Deadly Malathion” - Requires a study of all pesticides used in our neighborhoods and mandates public notification of aerial spraying.  This legislation will allow elderly and unhealthy citizens to evacuate the spray area with proper warning of upcoming aerial spraying.  It also states that aerial application of pesticides be a “last resort” in an emergency.

“Protecting our Rivers and Waterways” - Requires stricter management of Phosphate plants to prevent another acid spill in our rivers.  In lieu of the Mulberry Plant acid spill, which killed countless fish and water life, this legislation provides for stricter management of phosphate plants and more oversight from the Department of Environmental Protection

“Economic Development” - Through making our enterprise zones more flexible, this legislation will improve economic growth and benefit individuals who may not have had access to better paying jobs by providing employers with incentives.

“Improving Education In the Classroom” - Giving our teachers the tools necessary to be great instructors.  This legislation encourages parents and teachers to become more involved in their children’s School Advisory Council.  With more teacher development and parental involvement, our children will continue to grow, succeed and reach their full potential.

“Relief for Breast Cancer Sufferers” - Designed to return a woman to her “whole self” after the traumatic event of breast cancer surgery.  Would allow the patient of a mastectomy to stay in the hospital until the patient and doctor decide they are ready to leave.  Covers prosthetic devices not only on the affected breasts, but the non- affected, to create symmetry.  Unfortunately, we can stop cancer, but we help those who suffer.

“Protective Payee” - Raises the qualifying age limit from 12 to 16 to receive continuing support through a protective payee in circumstances involving family member’s repeated noncompliance with their welfare to work requirement, protecting, not pushing, the child.

“Adoption of Foster Children” - Encourages adoption by allowing the adopted to maintain communication with siblings after termination of parental rights.  Provides comfort and sense of family, old and new, to the adopted.

“Community-Based Care for Child Welfare” - Addresses the continued expansion of the privatization of child welfare services by the Department of Children and Families.