McDonnell Vetoes Phys Ed Legislation

By Amber Lester Kennedy Friday, March 25, 2011

Governor Bob McDonnell vetoed legislation Thursday that would have forced school districts to provide 150 minutes of physical education per week for all elementary and middle school students by 2014.

The physical education bill was co-sponsored by state Sen. Ralph Northam, a pediatric neurologist at the Children’s Hospital of the King’s Daughters in Norfolk, and Del. John O’Bannon, R-Henrico. The state mandate was strongly opposed by school divisions concerned about how to implement the unfunded mandate. O’Bannon told The Washington Post money was not provided because any elementary or middle school teacher can teach physical education and new teachers would not need to be hired.

“In my Inaugural Address, I stated very clearly that Washington does not always know better than Richmond, and, equally, that Richmond does not always know better than Fairfax or Galax,” McDonnell said in a press release. “I have long opposed significant unfunded mandates passed from one level of government to another. Thus, I cannot in good conscience sign this legislation.”

He acknowledged the legislation has a good objective, but the cost to implement could be in the tens of millions. Fairfax County estimated it would cost $18-24 million to implement, while Chesterfield County estimated it could cost $6.9 million. In addition, the mandate of 150 minutes per week exceeds the time dedicated to any other single subject. “Our local school districts are facing tough budgetary times, and we simply cannot ask them now to incorporate an expensive new policy with no new funding,” he said.

He added that government cannot pass legislation to solve childhood obesity problems, and that children need to be taught to pick active lifestyles by parents, teachers and mentors. “I have instructed officials in my administration to look for creative and innovative means by which we can promptly help get our children more physically active, and motivated to exercise on their own,” he said.

The General Assembly will consider McDonnell’s veto when it meets the first week of April for the reconvened session.

Jeanne Zeidler, president of the Williamsburg Community Health Foundation, noted Williamsburg has already started to address childhood obesity. “In 2006, the Williamsburg Community Health Foundation began funding an effort to combat childhood obesity and promote physical activity,” she said. “With committed partners in the Williamsburg-James City County School system, we are beginning to see success in creating a culture that encourages healthier eating and greater physical activity.”