Lawmakers Call For Lead Testing In All New Jersey Schools
TRENTON, N.J. (CBSNewYork/AP) -- All public schools in New Jersey would have to immediately test drinking water for lead contamination under a bill being proposed by state lawmakers.
Senate President Steve Sweeney and Democratic state senators from Newark M. Teresa Ruiz and Ronald Rice outlined the measure at news conference Monday.
They said the legislation would allocate $3 million for testing and an additional $20 million for water filters. The lawmakers said they'll address the larger, and more expensive problem of replacing lead pipes and fixtures in schools after the testing gives them a better idea of what's needed.
The legislation comes after Newark schools shut off sinks and fountains at 30 facilities earlier this month because of lead. Blood tests were also offered to 17,000 students at those schools for lead.
Testing showed elevated lead levels in some buildings for years. And the district has been addressing lead in the water since at least 2003.
The lawmakers said the proposal applies to all schools, whether they're public, private or charter.
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