Ads Coming Soon To Your Child’s School Bus?

January 10, 2012

A bill that would allow school districts to sell advertisements on school buses narrowly passed the Senate Education Committee on Monday, showing that there might yet be some speed bumps ahead for the proposal.

The measure, sponsored by Sen. Bill Montford, D-Tallahassee, is aimed at helping ease transportation costs amid a tough budget climate.

“Under better times financial, I would not be presenting this bill,” Montford said.

The measure passed on a 4-2 vote, with Sens. Lizbeth Benacquisto, R-Fort Myers, and Ellyn Bogdanoff, R-Palm Beach, opposing the bill.

“The push of consumerism on our children is, in this instance, a step I’m not willing to take,” Benacquisto said.

But there were also other signs of tension; Sen. Larcenia Bullard, D-Miami, voted for the bill despite concerns that its restrictions on inappropriate advertisements weren’t strong enough.

The bill has two more stops, including the Senate Transportation Committee.

By The News Service of Florida

Comments

6 Responses to “Ads Coming Soon To Your Child’s School Bus?”

  1. Bama Lama Ding Dong on January 11th, 2012 8:58 pm

    Perhaps those who oppose this idea would rather the local government raise their school taxes?

    This is about money. The government needs YOUR money. Selling ads at least takes the money from willing businesses.

  2. HAHA! on January 11th, 2012 2:45 pm

    So, what if Sammy’s wants to post an advertisement?

  3. amw on January 10th, 2012 7:46 pm

    People have excuses now for not seeing those big yellow buses that carry our precious cargo, so why give them another excuse! ” I’m sorry officer I was reading the advertisement and didn’t see the bus stop or put on its lights”

  4. Michelle on January 10th, 2012 2:52 pm

    I agree with Cor’Darius. School buses are already a distraction, especially with those white flashing lights (granted, they are needed) but to add ads. Is a bit much.

    Yes I know the money is “suppose” to go too school’s. But how much will actually make it there?

  5. Cor'Darius on January 10th, 2012 1:41 pm

    To me this just seems like a bigger distraction for drivers .

  6. Molino-Anon on January 10th, 2012 10:38 am

    Nice, now I can keep up with what Colt 45 is doing and/or the latest Smartphone coming out, on the side of my child’s school bus. The future is looking bright!