Hand-washing could become requirement in Chicago schools

Wire Services SPRINGFIELD (AP) - Rep. Mary Flowers wants to clean up Chicago schools - two germy, dirty hands at a time. Fed up with what she sees as a health hazard for thousands of children, Flowers has introduced legislation that would require Chicago schools to make students wash their hands with antiseptic soap before eating. "This is all about a way of life for our children," Flowers, D-Chicago, said in a recent interview. "It's a public safety issue that needs to be addressed." But school officials and teachers say the measure seems to reflect misplaced priorities at the state capitol. They say teachers are already doing a good job of keeping kids' hands clean for breakfast and lunch. And one Chicago parent said promoting cleanliness