Louisiana Senate Bill SCR40

Louisiana 2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 4/30/24
• Passed: 4/30/24
• Engrossed: 4/30/24
• Refer: 5/1/24
• Report Pass: 5/13/24

Caption

Urges and requests Governor Jeffrey M. Landry to make application to receive funding for the Summer EBT program. (EN +$3,652,670 GF EX See Note)

Impact

The resolution highlights the adverse impact on many families, especially given the rising costs of living and stagnating wages for many workers in Louisiana. In 2024, the state declined to participate in the Summer EBT program despite the availability of seventy million dollars in federal funding, which raised concerns among many lawmakers about the welfare of children during the summer months when food access may be limited. The resolution underscores the importance of Summer EBT benefits alongside other nutrition assistance programs in enhancing the diet quality and overall child nutrition when school is out.

Summary

SCR40 is a Senate Concurrent Resolution that urges and requests Governor Jeffrey M. Landry to apply for federal funding to implement the Summer Electronic Benefits Transfer (Summer EBT) program in Louisiana. This program aims to provide food assistance to low-income families with school-age children during the summer months when they do not have access to free school meals. The Summer EBT program is designed to address the hunger gap experienced by over thirty million children across the United States, providing approximately forty dollars per eligible child, per month to purchase groceries. The funding would allow Louisiana to join more than forty other states in supporting this initiative for food security.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SCR40 is largely supportive among legislators advocating for child nutrition and health. Many express the belief that the Summer EBT program would have a positive impact on reducing childhood hunger, thereby supporting the well-being of children and families across the state. However, there appears to be contention regarding the state’s decision to forego federal funding, with critics arguing that this move undermines efforts to provide critical food assistance at a time when many children are vulnerable to food insecurity.

Contention

The key point of contention in discussions around SCR40 is the refusal of the Louisiana Department of Education and Governor Landry to participate in the Summer EBT program, despite its proven success in other states. Critics argue that this decision could exacerbate food insecurity for children during the summer, potentially leading to adverse health consequences and increased strain on community resources. The debate has centered on the state's responsibility to uphold child welfare and nutrition standards, as well as the implications of declining federal assistance for state residents.