ARIZONA STATE SENATE
Phoenix, Arizona
appropriations, children’s
physical activity programs
Appropriates $1,000,000 in FYs 2001-2002 and
2002-2003 from the state general fund to the Department of Health Services
(DHS) to establish a school-based grant program that promotes children’s
physical activities.
In February 2000, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a report promoting lifelong physical activity. This report suggests that moderate physical activity on most, if not all, days of the week can improve strength and endurance, build healthier bones and muscles, help control weight, reduce anxiety and stress and improve blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Furthermore, when performed by young people, this same amount of exercise can also contribute to intellectual progress and improved attention span, as well as aid the development of a lifestyle that will involve daily physical activity and, subsequently, better health.
In 1996, a team of educators, policy makers and medical professionals in Arizona began working with legislators to develop recommendations for a school-based physical activity program, in part due to a concern regarding decreased levels of physical activity from around third grade into adulthood. As a result of this collaborative effort, a program called Promoting Lifetime Activity for Youth (PLAY) was developed and implemented in 12 counties in 1997. Between 125 and 175 schools and approximately 25,000 children have participated every year since. Future goals of the group include increased availability of programs like PLAY and studies to determine effectiveness and promote improvement.
PLAY is funded by block grants from the CDC that are administered by DHS. Currently, statutes do not require physical activity programs in schools. S.B. 1186 facilitates the implementation of school-based physical activity programs by appropriating $1,000,000 in FYs 2001-2002 and 2002-2003 from the state general fund to DHS for such programs.
Provisions
1. Appropriates $1,000,000 in FYs 2001-2002 and 2002-2003 from the state general fund to the DHS to establish a school-based grant program that promotes children’s physical activities. Exempts the appropriation from lapsing.
2. Requires DHS to transfer up to four percent of the appropriation to the office of the Auditor General (OAG) to conduct an evaluation and report of these programs.
3. Requires DHS to award grants to county health departments to administer the monies.
4. Requires DHS to give preference to proposals that promote physical activity at least three days a week and allow all children in grades kindergarten through eighth to participate.
5. Stipulates monies awarded are intended to supplement and not supplant current physical education funding.
6. Requires county health departments to submit an assessment of the results of the programs in a format prescribed by the OAG.
7. Requires the OAG to submit a report to the Legislature and Governor based on these assessments by December 1, 2003.
8. Provides for a general effective date.
Amendments Adopted by Health Committee
Replaces the requirement of DHS with the OAG to evaluate programs and submit a report based on county health department assessments.
Senate Action
HEALTH 1/30/01 DPA 6-1-1
Prepared by Senate Staff
February 6, 2001