25-02-2025
School lunch bill fails in House appropriations
SIOUX FALLS S.D. (KELO) — A bill that would allow the state to reimburse schools to pay for students reduced lunch failed to make it through the House Committee on Appropriations Monday.
The bill was sent to the 41st legislative day, effectively killing it, by a vote of 5-4.
House Bill 1089 would cover meal copays for reduced-price eligible students. The bill targets students from families that are already eligible for the reduced lunch program, earning between 130% and 185% of the federal poverty level. The bill if passed would cover their 40-cent lunch and 30-cent breakfast copays.
The bill states the Department of Education shall, with monies appropriated in the General Appropriations Act, reimburse each school district for costs incurred by the district in providing meals to students who are eligible for free or reduced-price meals pursuant to this section, less any amount reimbursed through the National School Lunch Program or the School Breakfast Program.
The Bureau of Finance and Management estimates show a $616,000 annual cost.
Democrat Rep. Erik Muckey said while he understands that this is a budget year for the legislature, the Democratic caucus has made this a top priority. Muckey was the only lawmaker to speak on Tuesday.
'We are talking about challenges in our schools as far as covering costs and making sure we are taking care of our students, this is a really effective way taking care of some of our poorer students,' Muckey said. 'This is an important priority for our kids, especially in a year where we are talking about making reductions teacher pay.'
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