Article Contributed on: 2/28/2008 11:36:26 AM
REP. BENEFIELD HELPS YOUTH STAY HEALTHY AND STAY IN SCHOOL
PTA Leader Continues to be Champion for Youth
DENVER - Rep.
Debbie Benefield (D-Arvada/Westminster) is the sponsor of two separate bills to help Colorado's youth. Both are on their way to the Senate after supportive votes in the House. One will help youth stay in school and out of trouble. The other will promote wellness programs in public schools.
The long-standing and successful program Tony Grampsas Youth Services (TGYS) funds a wide variety of community initiatives that have decreased rates of abuse and crime and kept kids in school. Current law diverts time and energy from the program goals by increasing administrative burdens. Rep. Benefield has proposed removing the barriers to allow the program to thrive while reaching more youth.
House Bill 08-1122 helps to ensure that time and attention are devoted to preventing youth violence and promoting learning.
"It is important that every dollar going to the program actually reaches the youth in need. Every dollar we invest in the program helps decrease school drop-out rates and prevent crime by supporting youth mentoring and after school programs," Rep. Benefield said. "If kids are staying in school, we know that crime rates are reduced."
The second bill,
House Bill 08-1224,will help promote wellness in public schools by emphasizing healthy choices and lifestyles, physical education, nutrition, mental health counseling, healthy school environments and involvement of families and communities.
The bill would also expand funding opportunities for school districts to apply for increased funding from the Colorado Comprehensive Health Education Fund. Rep. Benefield asked, "Who can argue with combating obesity and encouraging kids to eat right and exercise?"