Advocacy
Why Policy?
Public policy such as local, state or federal legislation can help the greatest number of people make positive changes. Rather than focusing on changing people’s behavior one person at a time, effective public policy makes positive changes in the environments in which we live.
2011 Legislative Session Wrap-Up
Coordinated School Health (Passed in the Budget)- Thanks to the tireless efforts of advocates, Governor Bill Haslam and the Tennessee General Assembly fully funded Coordinated School Health in its final budget. This is a huge win for Tennessee, but we again anticipate having to fight for this funding again next year.
Joint Use Agreements (Passed) – Legislation passed which encourages schools to open up their facilities like gymnasiums and tracks to the community as sources of physical activity. This new law clarifies that liability rests with the user not the school system, if the school chooses to open up their facilities after hours a community partner.
Physical Education and Physical Activity Bills (Passed)– Legislation passed which holds schools accountable for meeting the current 90-minutes a week physical activity law by requiring them to report their compliance to the Legislature. This report will be conducted by the Office of Coordinated School Health and will require schools to report if and how they are meeting the requirement, how TN ranks in comparison to others states PE requirements, and recommend how to keep TN’s children physically fit.
Breastfeeding Support (Passed) - Under this legislation, a mother is protected when breastfeeding her child in public. Breastfeeding provides a life-long foundation against obesity.
Community Gardens (Passed) - This law authorizes local governments to establish community gardening programs; to work with the county agricultural extension agent to identify vacant public land available for community gardening; and to assist in the development of community gardens on vacant public or private property.
Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety (Passed) - This new law broadens the requirement that drivers exercise due care to apply to bicyclists. It creates a Class B or Class A misdemeanor, depending on whether the accident results in serious bodily injury or death of another person, when the person causes an accident by failing to yield to pedestrians in crosswalks, fails to exercise due care, or fails to pass a bicycle safely.
Food Deserts (Deferred to 2012) - Legislation aimed at helping grocery stores which sell fresh fruits and vegetables locate in underserved communities was deferred. This deferral will allow us to fully examine the issues and present comprehensive policy recommendations on the issue. TOT will work with interested organizations on a task force starting this fall on Food Deserts.
Sugar Sweetened Beverage Tax (Deferred to 2012) - This legislation would impose a one-cent per ounce tax on bottled soft drinks containing sugar or caloric sweeteners. The revenue generated would reduce from 5.5 percent to 4.5 percent the retail sales tax rate on food, which includes soft drinks.
Safe Pathways to School ( Deferred to 2012) – This legislation increases fines for speeding in a school zone and earmarks the proceeds to TDOT for Safe Routes to School grants to encourage walking and biking to schools.
To join our Advocacy Action Team, please fill in the form here, or contact Administrator Joan Randall at joan.a.randall@vanderbilt.edu, or (615) 936-2909.