Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell has vetoed a measure passed by the General Assembly that would require 150 minutes of physical education per week for K-8 students starting in 2014 — legislation that was opposed by school and government groups who, like McDonnell, maintained that it would place an undue burden on localities.
“While I strongly agree that we must encourage exercise and physical activity, I oppose unfunded mandates, whether they come from Washington or Richmond,” McDonnell said.
Advocates of the bill argued that the measure would help curb childhood obesity and promote healthy kids. The group “Mission: Readiness,” a national nonprofit national security organization, also urged McDonnell to sign the measure “as a matter of our national security.”
“Our military has had the highest standards because we need competent, healthy, physically fit and educated people to form the backbone of the world’s most professional, highly advanced military,” reads a letter signed by Amy Dawson Taggart, the group’s National Director, and Norman Seip, a retired Air Force Lieutenant General.
Opponents, meanwhile, including state government and education groups, also argued it would be a burden on localities and crowd out classroom time for other subjects like art, music and the humanities.
“We are very gratified, and we deeply appreciate the action on the part of the governor,” said Rob Jones, a lobbyist for the Virginia Education Association.
“Everyone agrees with the goal of the legislation,” he added.
Legislators need a two-thirds vote to override the governor’s veto on the measure, which sailed through the Senate but passed 55-40 in the House.
