From Valleynewslive · · 1m 40s
North Dakota Voters Decide Free School Meals
North Dakota voters weigh constitutional mandate for free school meals ahead of Election Day.
In brief
North Dakota voters weigh constitutional mandate for free school meals ahead of Election Day. North Dakota voters will decide if a constitutional amendment guarantees free breakfast and lunch for all K-12 students regardless of income. Originally reported by Valleynewslive.
North Dakota Voters Weigh Measure 2
A proposed constitutional amendment would guarantee free breakfast and lunch for every K-12 student in North Dakota regardless of family income or school type.
Measure 2 Requirements
All schools including public, private, and religious schools must provide free meals to all students with state covering remaining costs after federal reimbursements.
Current Federal Meal Programs
Students qualify for free meals if household income is at or below 130% of federal poverty level, reduced-price meals if at or below 185% of that level.
Supporters' Arguments
Supporters say universal free meals improve student performance, remove lunch line stigma, and provide financial relief for families not qualifying for federal assistance.
Patrick Finken's View
Patrick Finken, a conservative consultant, says universal free meals are equivalent to a thousand dollars per child tax credit for all families in North Dakota.
Current System Challenges
About one-third of North Dakota students qualify for free or reduced-price meals under federal rules, leaving two-thirds to pay full price or risk debt.
Governor Armstrong's Opposition
Governor Kelly Armstrong opposes locking spending commitments into the state constitution, citing budget concerns and lack of flexibility.
Funding Concerns
Armstrong says the measure would commit $134 million a biennium without flexibility to adjust if the state’s financial picture worsens.
Here's the gist
North Dakota voters will decide if a constitutional amendment guarantees free breakfast and lunch for all K-12 students regardless of income.
