Legislature 2008: Healthy Starts

The Associated Press' Tom Breen highlights one bill destined for the upcoming regular session, which expands on a pet project of Gov. Joe Manchin.

The proposed ban on soft drinks and sugary snacks from all public schools responds to numerous reports of West Virginia's sorry state of oral health.

"About 20 counties have similar, voluntary guidelines in place, but the legislation would make it mandatory in all 55 counties.," Breen reports, "The bill would only allow the sale of water, fruit and vegetable juices, and some types of milk. It would also restrict snacks to fruits, vegetables, cheese, yogurt, nuts and seeds in servings of 200 calories or less."

Update: MetroNews hears from Sen. Ron Stollings, D-Boone and a physician who supports the draft bill, and critic Clinton Giles, who raises funds with such goods as principal of Capital High.