The Trump Administration released its proposed FY2018 budget this week. Overall, it cuts funding across nearly all agencies to fund a $52 billion increase in defense spending, veterans’ health, and border security. The budget is very similar to cuts the Trump administration tried to secure in the FY17 appropriations process, which were for the most part rebuffed by Congress.

While Safe Routes to School advocates are all convinced about the grave need for safety improvements around schools to make sure kids and families can be active and safe, not all state Departments of Transportation are on the same page.

As our new publication Vision Zero and Safe Routes to School: Partners in Safety makes clear, when a community takes a Vision Zero pledge to eliminate all traffic fatalities and serious injuries, there is an opportunity for Safe Routes to School advocates to take their efforts to the next level. Vision Zero action plans can lead to a greater community focus on and funding towards making the streets safer for kids and families.

By Alex Severs, District Wellness Coordinator, Monett R-1 School District, Monett, MO

In schools across the country traditions exist in many forms, such as a back-to-school assembly or an annual field day. Several years ago in the Monett R-1 School District, we set out (on foot!) to create a new tradition of our own: walking to school.

We are in the midst of interesting times in Washington, DC. As has been widely reported, the repeal of the Affordable Care Act was pulled from the House after Republicans could not craft a bill that would get enough votes to pass. That means that the Prevention and Public Health Fund, which would have been eliminated after 2018, survives for now. This program supports a wide range of health initiatives around the country, including efforts to increase physical activity through active transportation.

A major street transformation dream became a reality when Living Streets Alliance (LSA) received a $20,000 KaBOOM! Play Everywhere Challenge Grant to create a fun, playful, and inviting walking corridor at a local Tucson elementary school.