Millett bill to increase physical activity for elementary school students clears Committee hurdle

A bill introduced by Sen. Rebecca Millett, D-Cape Elizabeth, would support children’s health and wellbeing by requiring at least 30 minutes of daily physical activity for Maine students in kindergarten through 5th grade.

The bill — LD 378, “An Act To Promote Physical Activity for Schoolchildren” — was the subject of a work session in the Legislature’s Education and Cultural Affairs Committee on March 31. Despite nearly all the Committee members expressing support for increasing physical activity in schools, the Committee members split their votes on the bill. Four voted to pass it and seven voted against.

“Too many of our children do not get regular, meaningful time for physical activity, especially during the school day,” said Sen. Millett. “We elected officials need to do our part to address this issue so that Maine kids are not only healthier, but better learners.”

Physical fitness has recently taken a backseat to high educational standards, accountability and academic achievement in schools. According to Action for Healthy Kids, the exclusion of physical fitness from school priorities is counterproductive because “kids who don’t eat nutritiously and enjoy regular physical activity are at an academic disadvantage.”

By adolescence, 31 percent of American youth are already overweight or obese. By military recruitment age, 70 percent of Americans are unfit to serve due to lack of physical fitness, criminal records, or poor education.

The American Heart Association, the American Stroke Association, the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network and the Maine Education Association all support the bill.

The bill now heads to the Senate for initial votes.