For Immediate Release
Contact: Tara Kennon, 312-419-1810
tara@healthyschoolscampaign.org

Illinois Senate Education Committee Unanimously Approves Green Clean Schools Act
Bill Would Reduce Chemical Exposures for Children and School Staff

Chicago, April 26, 2007 – Children, teachers, and school staff in Illinois may soon be able to breathe a little easier during the day.

The Illinois Senate Education Committee voted 9-0 Wednesday to send the Green Clean Schools Act, HB895, out of committee and on to a vote before the full Senate.

At the hearing, more than a dozen groups went on record supporting the bill, with no opposition. Senators in the hearing commented that they were proud to support the legislation.

“Green cleaning really is a simple but very important way to protect the health of everyone who passes through your school’s doors,” said Bill Thompson, director of facilities at Lockport Township High School. Thompson began implementing a green cleaning program three years ago and now sees benefits in student attendance as well as cost savings for his school.

“I’ve seen the negative health effects of traditional cleaning chemicals first-hand,” Thompson said. “And I can tell you there’s a better way. Green cleaning is the right thing to do, not only for children but for the custodial staff who work with the chemicals every day.”

This vote represents a victory for the bill’s diverse coalition of supporters that includes school nurses, educators, environmental leaders, cleaning professionals, union leaders and other medical professionals.

The act would require all elementary and secondary schools in Illinois to purchase only environmentally sensitive cleaning supplies. These products reduce children’s exposure to irritants and toxic chemicals while protecting the health of custodial staff who work closely with the supplies. The products are cost comparable and equally effective to conventional cleaning products.

If the bill becomes law, Illinois will become the only second state to require green cleaning programs in schools.

“With green cleaning, Illinois can become a national leader in providing healthy learning environments for our children,” said Mark Bishop, deputy director of the Healthy Schools Campaign, an independent not-for-profit organization dedicated to healthy school environments.

The Green Clean Schools Act was introduced in the Senate by State Sen. Iris Martinez and has a broad base of support from 48 additional co-sponsors and a coalition of allies that includes the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees; American Academy of Pediatrics IL Chapter; American Lung Association of Chicago and Illinois; Chicago Teachers Union; Citizen Action of Illinois; Cloud 9 & Company; Environment Illinois; Environmental Law and Policy Center; Healthy Schools Campaign; Illinois Association of School Nurses; Illinois Education Association; Illinois Environmental Council; Illinois Public Health Association; ISSA, Kranz, Inc.; LaGrange Highland School District 106; Lt. Governor’s Office; Phoenix Supply Company; Pike Systems; Pollution Prevention Resource Center; PortionPac Chemical Corporation; SEIU; Seven Generations Ahead; Sierra Club; Southern Illinois Public Cooperative; United Supply Service, Inc.; U.S. Green Building Council; and Voices for Illinois Children.

Full details and bill status updates:
http://www.healthyschoolscampaign.org/gca

###

The Healthy Schools Campaign, an independent not-for-profit organization, is the leading authority on healthy school environments and a voice for people who care about our environment, our children and education. Our mission is to advocate for policies and model programs that allow students and staff members to learn and work in a healthy school environment.