Bill would save funding for lead-poisoning prevention

Tthe state's primary program to combat childhood lead poisoning could soon run out of money.

So on Wednesday, advocates and affected families will descend on the State House to testify in support of a bill (House 5810) that would guarantee money for the Hea't Department's lead poisoning prevention program .

In years when federal funding is lacking, the bill would require the state to appropriate no less than $600,000 for the program.

"If the program falls apart, we cannot respond to lead poisoning," said Roberta Hazen Aaronson, executive director of the Childhood Lead Action Project.

Representatives of 40 organizations are expected to attend the bill's hearing before the House Finance Committee, at 1 p.m. in Room 36 of the State House.