Republicans Propose Forcing Schools to Provide Chocolate Milk to Children

ANew York Republican representative has introduced a bill that would make it federal law for schools to provide chocolate milk, in a broadside against supposed plans by New York City Mayor Eric Adams to ban it over health concerns.

On February 3 Elise Stefanik, the GOP congresswoman for the empire state's northerly, rural 21st district, introduced the Protecting School Milk Choices Act of 2023, which would force schools that participate in the National School Lunch Program to offer at least one flavored milk option. The amendment to the National School Lunch Act would also provisions for schools to offer lactose-free milk.

The legislation follows a row over the drink in 2022, after Adams said in January that there was a "conversation" about a possible ban. The Democratic mayor has touted his credentials as a vegan in the past and supported his predecessor, Bill de Blasio, in his efforts to ban chocolate milk in 2019 while Brooklyn borough president.
When the rumors first surfaced, Stefanik introduced the bill in the previous legislative session, co-sponsored by three other Republican representatives. With the GOP back in control of the House, the member of the House Committee on Education and the Workforce has now brought it back and already has seven Republican co-sponsors.
"Any effort of Mayor Adams to ban chocolate milk and replace it with vegan juice is an absolute non-starter and will be opposed by parents, families, kids, and New Yorkers," Stefanik stated on Friday. "Instead of taking away milk choices from students, my bill will give them better access to essential dairy nutrients critical for their development.