The Safe Playing Fields Act (S2610/A3782) is legislation that would protect our children, the ones who research has repeatedly proven to be most vulnerable to the harmful effects of toxic lawn pesticides on lawns at schools and in parks.

And to the point, there are sustainable, non-toxic lawn/field methods that are less costly to the taxpayers and more effective in the overall maintenance of healthy, attractive lawns. Cherry Hill and Voorhees already have "Pesticide Free" parks.

The legislation finally has passed several key committees and has the strong support of 18 co-sponsors in the Senate and 21 co-sponsors in the Assembly. I would like to extend a special thanks to Senator Madden (D- District 4), Senator Beach (D- District 6), Senator Allen (R-District 7), and Senator Addiego and Assemblyman Rudder (D-District 8) for co-sponsoring the bill.

Now time is running out for this bill. It must be put on the agenda for a vote on the floor before the end of the current legislative session. This must occur on Jan. 5 or Jan. 9, 2012.

To keep our children safe from harm, the legislation needs to cover both the playgrounds and the playing and athletic fields where children play.

So please take a moment. Please contact Senate President Stephen Sweeney (sensweenwy@njleg.org and/ or call 856-251-9801) and Assembly Speaker Sheila Oliver (aswoliver@njleg.org and/or call 973-395-1166).

Please tell them that The Safe Playing Fields Act needs to be signed into law by Jan. 10, 2012, or it will be too late!

It is time that the health and safety of our children take center stage. Pass the legislation.

Make it a strong bill. Take care of the kids!

Sue Wolf
Cherry Hill
NJEF Board Member