Latest news with #SB379
Yahoo
09-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Food restriction bills show a 'nanny state' mentality that has no place in Texas
As a Texas mother, grandmother and conservative Republican, I believe Texas families deserve the freedom to make their own choices without heavy-handed, government interference. Yet, some politicians in Austin are pushing unnecessary, superfluous regulations that not only erode personal liberty but also burden businesses, raise costs, and put out-of-touch bureaucrats in charge of decisions that should be left to individuals. Whether it's excessive food labeling requirements or government overreach regarding food ingredients, these policies reflect a 'nanny state' mentality that has no place in Texas. The Texas Legislature is attempting to pass three bills that would create new regulations, expand the size of the state government and cost taxpayers millions of dollars. Senate Bill 25 would create the Texas Nutrition Advisory Committee to develop food labeling requirements; SB 314 would prohibit certain food dyes or additives in school meals; and SB 379 would bar people in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program from using their benefits, previously known as food stamps, to buy sweetened drinks. All three measures, which have passed the Senate and await votes in the House, enact new and needless public policy which is already regulated by other government entities. Let's be clear: Texans can trust the safety of the products they buy. The ingredients in our food and beverages are safe: No country in the world has banned them. Our food and beverage manufacturers are already held to rigorous standards by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), an agency that ensures consumer safety. The push for warning labels isn't about transparency. It's about fearmongering, and inappropriate and disproportionate control. When government bureaucrats dictate what businesses must put on their labels, they are not informing consumers they are misleading them. Texans don't need anyone telling them what to eat and drink. Do we really want to follow California's lead, where nearly every product comes with a meaningless warning label in hopes of striking fear in consumers? Or worse, the European Union's overregulation, where the government micromanagement puts a chokehold on business growth and restricts consumer choice? These burdensome regulations don't just create confusion. They increase costs for everyone. Small businesses, the backbone of our economy, would bear the brunt of these mandates, struggling to comply with state-specific rules that make Texas a less attractive place to do business. Big corporations might afford to absorb these costs, but local entrepreneurs won't. If we want to keep our economy strong, we must reject these unnecessary rules and fight to keep Texas a business-friendly state. Let's not expand the size of government under the false pretense of fixing a fictional problem that doesn't exist. Instead of restricting consumer choices, we should focus on individual responsibility, education and market-driven solutions. Texans don't need politicians or bureaucrats dictating what's best for them. Our state thrives on freedom, innovation, and individual liberty — not top-down mandates and government control. If lawmakers truly care about public health, they should invest in education and consumer awareness, not punitive regulations that hurt businesses, limit your choices and raise costs for hardworking families. Conservatives win when they stand for free markets, individual liberty and limited government — not when they imitate the Democrats' obsession with regulation and control. Texans don't need government micromanaging their lives. They need the freedom to make their own decisions. That's what Texas stands for. That's what America stands for. And that's what we should fight to protect. Jennifer Bannister served as a senior staff member for the Republican Party of Texas from 2007-09 and for former U.S. Sen. Phil Gramm from 1986-96. She worked for Rick Perry from 1997-2000, during his tenure as agriculture commissioner and lieutenant governor. This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Food restriction bills bring nanny state mentality to Texas | Opinion
Yahoo
25-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Should Texas lawmakers ban SNAP benefits from being used on junk food?
HOUSTON - At the state capitol, lawmakers are debating a bill that would prevent people from using SNAP benefits on junk food. Tell 26 what you think: should the legislature ban people from using SNAP benefits to buy junk food? The backstory SB 379 would prohibit non-healthy items from being purchased with "SNAP", also known as food stamps. That means it would no longer allow the purchase of items, such as soda, energy drinks, candy, and chips. Get news, weather and so much more on the new FOX LOCAL app Republican Senator Mayes Middleton of Galveston filed the bill, arguing it's to get back to the intent of the SNAP program and focus on nutrition. Critics say people using SNAP should be able to have choices when it comes to their families food. Tell 26 what you think: should the legislature ban people from using SNAP benefits to buy junk food?
