By Dave Lucas
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wamc/local-wamc-854314.mp3
Albany, NY – Lawmakers in two Capital Region counties are addressing issues concerning the health of their constituents, as we hear in this report from WAMC's Dave Lucas.
Figures peg Albany County's obesity rate at 60 per cent. The Albany County Legislature has passed two local laws expected to have wide-reaching effects: the first requires restaurants to publicly post listings of calorie contents of foods they serve. The calorie law becomes effective in February: the second health-realted law passed bans the sale of plastic baby bottles and sippy cups made with the toxic chemical known as BPA. The Schenectady County legislature is scheduled to vote on BPA legislation tonight. When the law takes effect, violators would be subject to a $500 fine the first time and $1,000 for subsequent violations. Albany's BPA law takes effect January 1st.