Statement from New York State Senator Rich Funke

“I’m proud to have cosponsored and cast my vote today for legislation that would better protect kids from lead by requiring all schools to test tap water on a regular basis. In the 55^th District alone, elevated lead levels have been detected in drinking water in East Irondequoit, East Rochester, Fairport, Penfield and Pittsford schools, which hail from some of the best districts in the nation. If it can happen here, it can happen anywhere. I know many of our local schools are testing voluntarily – and they should be commended for that – but every student in New York deserves the same protection. I call on the State Assembly to take immediate action and pass this bill now. Anything else would fail to protect the safety, promise, and potential of our children.