The Health Department's primary lead poisoning prevention program, which faced being shut down in the fall due to federal cuts, would be preserved under the state budget approved on Tuesday by the House Finance Committee.
Financial woes first hit the Healthy Homes and Lead Poisoning Prevention Program a year ago when the federal government completely eliminated funding for its various activities. A one-time source of state funding has kept the Health Department program running since then.
While the governor's budget did not provide funding for the program, the House budget would restore its $600,000 budget.
"We are thrilled they listened and understood and even with the budget challenges they faced this year, they made children's health a priority," said Laura Brion, a community organizer for the nonprofit Childhood Lead Action Project.