Senate denies funding for summer lunch program

The Senate’s rejection of a Department of Health and Welfare budget over funding for a federal lunch program for children has sparked controversy and debate among lawmakers in Idaho. The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Summer EBT program, which provides free lunches to low-income children over the summer, was at the center of the budget dispute.

The budget failed in the Senate by a 10-25 vote, with some senators arguing that the program sends the wrong message to parents and children about self-sufficiency. However, supporters of the program, including Rep. Brooke Green, emphasized the importance of ensuring that children in Idaho receive necessary nutrition over the summer.

After the Senate vote, the Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee quickly passed a new budget bill without the lunch money, despite efforts from Green and other lawmakers to continue funding the program. The committee’s decision to advance a new budget without the lunch funding has left many concerned about the impact on children who rely on the program for meals during the summer months.

In addition to the budget dispute, the Idaho Legislature also addressed other important issues, including a bill to rework the Idaho Launch program and competing “trailer” bills related to school facilities funding. Lawmakers introduced a new plan to help school districts fund facilities, but the bill will not advance this legislative session.

As the legislative session nears its end, the decisions made by lawmakers on these critical issues will have a significant impact on children, families, and schools across Idaho. The debate over funding for the federal lunch program highlights the challenges and complexities of balancing budget priorities and meeting the needs of vulnerable populations in the state.