Gov. Phil Scott has allowed a new law to take effect, ensuring that all students receive free school meals, irrespective of their family’s income. Although Scott opposed the bill, arguing against raising taxes to fund meals for wealthier families, he acknowledged in a letter to lawmakers that a veto would likely be overridden.
The Impact of Universal School Meals
The initiative comes after the federal government removed all eligibility criteria for the school meals program during the pandemic. Following the cessation of federal funding last year, the Vermont Legislature managed to sustain the program for an additional year using state resources. Now, lawmakers aim to extend the program indefinitely at an estimated cost of around $30 million annually.
According to Laura La Vacca, director of food services for the Burlington School District, the universal meals initiative has significantly boosted participation. In Burlington, between 80% and 90% of students now access both breakfast and lunch. “Students can rest assured that even if they miss a meal at home, they will have breakfast and lunch available at school the next day, along with opportunities for supper and snacks,” she explained during an April interview on Vermont Edition.
Rep. Erin Brady, a high school teacher and the lead sponsor of this year’s bill, emphasized that universal access to school meals diminishes the stigma associated with receiving assistance. “We don’t differentiate charges for students based on their ability to afford a laptop or the length of their bus routes,” she noted on Vermont Edition. “It’s crucial for students, especially adolescents, to feel a sense of community and avoid comparisons with their peers.”
The financial implications of the program indicate that it would result in a minimal increase—approximately 3 cents—on both the homestead and non-homestead property tax rates, as assessed by the Legislature’s nonpartisan fiscal analysts. In his letter, Scott urged lawmakers to revisit this matter in the coming year.
Source : https://www.vermontpublic.org/local-news/2023-06-14/gov-phil-scott-allows-universal-free-school-meals-to-become-law
