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Senate hearing considers raising free-school-meal eligibility and streamlining applications; funding split raises concerns
Summary
Sen. Donovan Fenton said SB204 would raise the income threshold for free school meals to 200% of the federal poverty level and fund online application systems to streamline enrollment.
Senator Donovan Fenton (D-District 10) told the committee Senate Bill 204 proposes to increase the income threshold for free school meals, simplify certification with online applications, and provide partial reimbursement to districts that adopt improved application tools.
"By raising the threshold to 200% of the federal poverty level, we ensure that families struggling just above the current cutoff can access meals for their children," Fenton said, calling the bill a ‘‘moderate, fiscally responsible approach’’ that is opt‑in for districts.
Supporters described the bill as a pragmatic…
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