The Health and Human Services Committee heard testimony Jan. 26 on a bill that would eliminate a deadline for cities and villages to opt out of Nebraska\u2019s mandatory drinking water fluoridation provisions.<\/p>\n
Under a bill passed by the 2008 Legislature, cities or villages with a population of at least 1,000 were required to add fluoride to their drinking water supply unless voters approved local opt-out ordinances by June 1, 2010. The fluoridation requirement does not apply to municipalities with a population under 1,000.<\/p>\n
LB36, sponsored by Scottsbluff Sen. John Harms, would extend the opt-out deadline for cities and villages that reach the population threshold for mandatory fluoridation after June 1, 2010.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis is a simple bill,\u201d Harms said. \u201cI believe these citizens should be given the same right, the same opportunity, as previous citizens were.\u201d<\/p>\n
Under the bill, a city or village that reaches a population of 1,000 or more after June 1, 2010, could place a proposal on the next statewide general election ballot to prohibit the addition of fluoride to the water supply.<\/p>\n
Terrytown mayor Kent Greenwalt testified in support of the bill, saying it would allow citizens in his community the opportunity to have a voice in the fluoridation question. He said Terrytown\u2019s population is near 1,000 and, without an extension, will be required to fluoridate without a vote.<\/p>\n
Residents are concerned about health implications and financial considerations, Greenwalt said, adding that the city faces an estimated $10,000 in annual operating costs for a fluoridation system.<\/p>\n
David O\u2019Doherty of the Nebraska Dental Association testified in opposition to the bill, saying the opt-out provision in the 2008 legislation was a mistake because it allowed some communities to vote against fluoridating their drinking water.<\/p>\n
He said studies by the Centers for Disease Control indicate that every $1 spent on fluoridation results in $80 saved in dental costs.<\/p>\n
\u201cFluoridation is one of our most potent weapons in disease prevention,\u201d O\u2019Doherty said.<\/p>\n
The committee took no immediate action on LB36.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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