The "Cupcake Amendment" of Austin, Texas

This is great:

Lawmakers: Let them eat cupcake

BY NEIL STRASSMAN
Knight Ridder Newspapers

AUSTIN, Texas - (KRT) - Republicans and Democrats put some frosting on school finance reform Wednesday with the "Cupcake Amendment."

In a rare bit of levity during a grueling two-day debate on funding public schools, the Texas House agreed unanimously Wednesday to let children bring sweets to school on their birthdays.

"Let kids bring cupcakes," said state Rep. Jim Dunnam, D-Waco, who offered the measure at the urging of his daughter, Lauren.

"What about sprinkles?" asked one lawmaker.

"This is just icing on the cake," said another.

The amendment was a response to Texas Agriculture Commissioner Susan Combs' effort to limit junk food in schools. Combs had already made an exception for birthdays, dubbed the "Cupcake Clarification," but also suggested any parties happen after lunch.

Dunnam is catching heat at his daughter's school for the new rules, he said, and wanted to make sure the treats are allowed.

All well and good for state law.

But school districts can set their own policies and have more restrictive rules, sprinkles or not.

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