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Representative Myers refers one-time emergency food-shelf funding to Ways and Means after testimony
Summary
Representative Myers moved House File 841, a one-time emergency appropriation for food shelves; after testimony the committee re-referred the bill to the Committee on Ways and Means for further consideration of funding level and structure.
Representative Myers moved House File 841 to be re-referred to the Committee on Ways and Means after presenting a one-time emergency funding proposal for food shelves.
Myers said the proposal is intended to be a short-term emergency infill and that she was open to different dollar amounts depending on committee feedback, saying she had discussed figures with local partners and “I am open to feedback if that's a $3,400,000 appropriation, something like that.” Remote testifier Michelle Botenfield, executive director of West Tonka Food Shelf, described dramatic increases at her operation: nearly 1,500,000 pounds distributed in 2024, 13,000 unique individuals served and 169 volunteers. She urged prompt funding.
Committee members discussed whether the appropriation should be a standalone emergency measure or part of broader Children and Families budgeting; Representative Katiza Wooten said she was hesitant to cede the decision entirely to Ways and Means and urged more committee-level conversation. Representative Myers said the bill could proceed as a parallel track to give options for floor action.
The committee re-referred the bill to Ways and Means for further fiscal work and appropriations negotiation.
