Mobile 4th Graders Write Bill Passed By Lawmakers

MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) - The fourth graders are at it again -
writing legislation for the Alabama Legislature.
The House Agriculture and Forestry Committee on Wednesday
approved a bill proposed by fourth graders at St. Ignacius
Elementary School in Mobile to make the manatee Alabama's official
marine mammal.
The large mammals, sometimes called "sea cows," are mostly
known for swimming along the Florida coast, but in recent years
have been showing up in rivers and inland waterways around Mobile.
Rep. Jim Barton of Mobile said he decided to sponsor the bill
after his daughter, Georgianne, asked if her fourth grade class
could name an official state mammal. She said the students chose
the manatee over the bottle nosed dolphin.
Committee members suggested other candidates, such as the
beaver, during a light-hearted debate.

(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)