PORTLAND PRESS HERALD • April 28, 2022
The approval three years ago by Gov. Mills and the Maine Legislature of L.D. 153, legislation previously vetoed by Paul LePage, is bearing fruit today by exposing the contamination of water by lead in schools all over Maine. Childhood exposure to lead is a problem in Maine because of a combination of paint from aging housing stock and contaminated soil and water. The good news is that lead poisoning is preventable. The American Rescue Plan, the Biden administration’s bipartisan infrastructure bill, includes funds to replace all of America’s lead pipes and service lines. Maine kids deserve a government that takes action to protect their health and works as hard as their teachers to maintain the excellence of their schools. ~ Sarah Southard, nurse practitioner, Portland