A bipartisan group of lawmakers has introduced legislation in the House of Representatives to extend the Milk Income Loss Contract (MILC) for two more years.
The House of Representatives has given overwhelming approval to The Child Nutrition Improvement and Integrity Act. In a 419-5 vote, lawmakers updated portions of the nation's various child nutrition programs, adding two major provisions that would increase milk's availabilities in public schools. At a time when soft drink sales in the nation's schools are under fire, this measure would allow schools more leeway to offer all varieties of milk in school cafeterias and vending machines. It would expressly prevent schools from signing agreements with soft drink companies that restrict milk sales. National Milk Producers Federation President and CEO Jerry Kozak said the House bill "takes a solid, science-based approach to crucial nutritional decisions regarding the next generation." The measure awaits action by the Senate.