Two state Senate committees recently approved a pair of anti-methamphetamine bills sponsored by Sen.

Bob Robbins, R-50th.One bill that passed the Senate Judiciary Committee is aimed at protecting children from meth labs.Robbins noted the measure would amend the Crimes Code by making it a misdemeanor for operating a meth lab while supervising a child.The second bill, voted out of the Public Health and Welfare Committee, seeks to make retailers and their employees aware of any suspicious activity when it comes to customers buying ingredients that could be used to make meth.The measure would create the "Meth Watch" Program, a joint effort of the state attorney general and retailers to train clerks to be on guard for individuals attempting to purchase meth ingredients in high quantitiesAdditionally, the measure would educate and warn consumers about meth and the illegal purchase of meth ingredients.———

U.S. Rep. <B>Melissa Hart</B>, R-4th, Wednesday applauded the passage of the Seniors Independence Act of 2006, which reauthorizes and strengthens services available to seniors through the Older Americans Act, first passed in 1965.The legislation this week was approved by the House of Representatives, and was sent to the Senate.The Seniors Independence Act, Hart said, would enhance services to seniors by coordinating community-based health and wellness efforts and supporting initiatives to assist low-income populations.The legislation also seeks to launch an Aging and Disabilities Resource Center in all 50 states to create a single-point of access for seniors for a full range of services, including long-term care options.Additionally, the bill would:• Promote measures, such as nutrition programs and health screenings that reduce seniors' risk of injury, disease, or disability.• Improve access to health care by supporting resource centers in every community where older Americans and their families can go for information about long-term care options, community support services and other important health benefits.• Ensure health promotion programs are evidence-based and broadens the definition of disease prevention and health promotion to include diabetes, improved nutrition and physical activity.• Allow local meal programs the option to offer seniors a multivitamin-mineral supplement when accompanied by a meal.