By M. Sepic, KWMU
St. Louis, Mo. – The problem of lead poisoning among St. Louis children is getting renewed attention from area legislators.
At a conference sponsored by a housing advocacy group Tuesday, US Congressman William Lacy Clay of St. Louis said cleanup funds can work, but only with the proper coordination.
He referred to a pledge earlier this month from US Senator Kit Bond to provide $5 million a year of federal funding for lead paint cleanup.
"Sure, it's OK if somebody gets $5 million a year. I hope $4.9 million goes to actually eradicate that lead. I don't want $4.9 million going to administration," Clay said.
St. Louis has one of the highest lead poisoning rates in the country. About 31- percent of city children have tested positive.