Democratic lawmakers announced companion House and Senate bills on Wednesday to give low-income parents money to buy food for their school-age children during the summer and when schools are closed during other parts of the year. Sponsors said the legislation would make permanent a stopgap system created during the pandemic.
“We know the problem. We know the solution. We just have to get it done,” said Sen. Patty Murray of Washington State during an online news conference. Rep. Mike Levin of California said the legislation meant “kids will have the nutrition they need to grow and thrive year-round.” And Connecticut Rep. Jahana Hayes said she expected broad support in the House. Families would receive about $60 per child, per month, she said.
President Biden has proposed expanding the Summer EBT program so that it covers all eligible children nationwide, an estimated 29 million students. At present, the USDA’s summer meals program and the Summer EBT program serve only a fraction of the pupils who take part in school lunch programs.
Also on Wednesday, Rep. Alma Adams said she would file a new version of her bill to increase SNAP benefits by 30 percent and remove time limits on eligibility. The North Carolina Democrat said the current benefit level of $1.40 per person, per meal was inadequate.