ILLINOIS LAWMAKERS ARE VOTING TO REQUIRE PUBLIC SCHOOLS TO OFFER VEGETARIAN-FRIENDLY FOODS AT LUNCH. (two stories, same lead).

THE BILL MANDATES THAT DISTRICTS PROVIDE PLANT-BASED OPTIONS TO STUDENTS REQUESTING THEM AND IS SPONSORED BY SENATOR DAVE KOEHLER OF PEORIA. HE SAYS IT SHOULDN’T BE TOO BIG OF A BURDEN FOR SCHOOLS AND GIVES KIDS MORE HEALTHY FOOD CHOICES.

SENATOR JIL TRACY OF QUINCY SAYS THIS IS ANOTHER UNFUNDED MANDATE FOR SCHOOLS.

IT’S NOW UP TO THE GOVERNOR TO SIGN THIS BILL INTO LAW.