At parents’ request, Rep. Brady mulls law regulating farm chemical spraying near schools

Posted on May 7, 2018
Dan Brady
State Representative Dan Brady will investigate whether better monitoring of farmers is needed when they spray chemicals near schools. (Photo courtesy Facebook/Dan Brady)

By Howard Packowitz

BLOOMINGTON – Bloomington State Rep. Dan Brady is investigating whether legislation is needed to regulate spraying of farm chemicals near schools.

Parents of a Fox Creek Elementary School student recently went before the Unit 5 School Board, and contacted Representative Brady to look for ways to improve communication between schools and farmer who work nearby.

“Like any potential legislation, you’re going to research it and you’re going to see what can come of it,” said Brady.

“So I just applaud the family for stepping up and explaining what they experienced, and I’m sure others had, and to the school board for listening to them and wanting to partner (with the parents) to try to improve things for the safety of the kids,” Brady said.

Thomas Maere said he went to school a couple of weeks ago and was almost overcome by the smell. His wife Janine, a medical doctor, determined the farmer was spraying the herbicide Treflan to kill weeds. Strong winds were blowing in the school’s direction, and Mr. Maere said more than a hundred kids were playing outside.

Brady declined to say whether schools like Fox Creek should have been built in the first place so close to farmland.

“Should’ve, could’ve, and would’ve isn’t something I’m interested in,” Brady said.

“Solving problems is what I am interested in,” he added.

Howard Packowitz can be reached at [email protected]

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