Support the fight against childhood obesity:  Ask members of the House Calendars Committee to set SB 224 for a vote on the House Floor!

Texas can fight obesity even in the midst of a budget shortfall if we think creatively and use the tools already at our disposal. SB 224 has been voted favorably out of both the Senate Committee on Education and the House Public Education Committee. We urge you to send an email to the members of the House Calendars Committee and request that SB 224 be scheduled for a vote on the floor.

SB 224 will establish a healthy schools recognition program to acknowledge schools for achievements on Fitnessgram assessments and will have a direct impact on encouraging schools to improve the quality of their physical education programs. We believe that improving the quality of physical education in schools will help us fight the childhood obesity epidemic in Texas.

Quick Facts:

  • The health risks with being overweight or obese are of serious concern. Heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and high blood pressure are just a few of these risks.
  • Latino youth are particularly at risk with the highest rates of obesity compared to other racial/ethnic groups; this is of particular concern since nearly 50% of the child population in Texas is Latino.
  • The economic costs of obesity are significant, and with the prevalence of obesity increasing each year, the annual cost to our state is estimated to reach $39 billion by the year 2040.

CHILDREN AT RISK is proud to support this important piece of legislation. SB 224 is revenue neutral and will help leverage considerable private sector investment in our efforts to fight the scourge of obesity in Texas public schools.

Thank you for speaking out on behalf of Texas’ youth!