Arkansas Governor Signs Bill To Use Marijuana Tax Revenue To Fund Free School Meals
In a surprising move by Arkansas’ Republican governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders, a new plan has been announced that would use tax revenue from medical cannabis to fund free breakfast and lunch at public schools.
Sanders shared the idea during her State of the State address, explaining that money from medical marijuana could support a state food benefit program for low-income households and “make school breakfast (and lunch) in Arkansas completely free for any student that chooses to participate.”
She and her administration estimate that the funds could make the program “sustainable for years to come.” The announcement follows opposition to a ballot proposed last November that would have expanded the state’s medical marijuana program. Interestingly enough, Huckabee was on the opposing side. Despite the seemingly contradictory stance, she appears open to allowing cannabis to contribute to the state in some forms.
According to Marijuana Moment, Sander’s SB 59 bill was approved on Feb 21, officially making way for Arkansas’ medical marijuana tax revenue to fund free and reduced-price school breakfast for children. Funds will paid out via the state’s Food Insecurity Fund, which is also financed by private grants and money from the state’s general fund.
In a press release, Governor Sanders said, “Free school breakfast will help ease the burden on families just trying to put food on their tables and make sure kids are fueled and ready to learn. Delivering for our kids is a bipartisan issue, and I’m proud to see us working together to take action.”
Sen. Jonathan Dismang (R), another advocate for SB 59, added, “By ensuring that every child starts their school day with a nourishing meal, we give them the tools they need to succeed and thrive, regardless of their background. It’s a simple but powerful step towards creating an equitable learning environment where all students have the opportunity to reach their full potential.”
Under the new law, qualifying for free or reduced-priced lunch will not prevent students from receiving it. Federal law has been criticized for unfairly disqualifying students from the program, who don’t meet the requirements, yet can’t afford to pay for school lunch.
Rep. Zach Gramlich (R), a middle school teacher who carried the measure in the House, said in a press release, “I have seen the impact of hunger on a student’s ability to learn and thrive. A hungry child comes into school, lays their head down, and waits for lunch. Providing students with a breakfast will ensure that every student starts the day with the nutrition they need to concentrate, participate, and succeed in my classroom.”
