Senators debate AM 12‑46 to fund Meals on Wheels as floor dispute erupts over bill‑attachment tactics

Senator Meyer moved to amend the committee amendment to LB 261 with AM 12‑46, an amendment intended to address an estimated $4,000,000 shortfall in Meals on Wheels and senior‑center funding by using money from the Medicaid managed care excess profit fund.

Meyer and supporters described rising food and delivery costs, shrinking reimbursement rates, and an aging population as the rationale for the change. “Our average annual food total costs for 2024 to prepare a meal was $12.02 per meal,” Meyer read into the record, citing local program testimony. He noted a representative case in which the current reimbursement rate was $4.55 per meal and described volunteers and fuel costs that make current reimbursement levels unsustainable.

Opponents, led by Senator…