Judd Gregg: “I want to commend Mr. Specter and the committee for increasing funding for chronic disease prevention and control…”

“I want to commend Mr. Specter and the committee for increasing funding for chronic disease prevention and control programs under the CDC. I especially want to thank him for the report language accompanying this bill that recognizes the important role that nonprofit organizations such as YMCAs and Jewish Community Centers play in providing millions of American youth comprehensive health and wellness programs designed to address risk behaviors such as physical inactivity, unhealthy diets, and tobacco use. Because only 25 percent of public schools are offering daily physical education programs, and it has fallen to community-based organizations like the Y to step in and implement health promotion and health education strategies and interventions designed to increase physical activity and foster good nutrition among school-aged children. I also support the committee's efforts to ensure that private organizations like the YMCA and Jewish Community centers are eligible to receive funding as part of the Secretary's steps to a Healthier U.S. Initiative. It is essential that we begin to encourage after school physical activity programs that help reduce and prevent obesity.”