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Bill would eliminate reduced-price meal copays; sponsor seeks $600,000 annual appropriation
Summary
Representative Melissa Romano introduced HB 551 to eliminate reduced-price school meal copays, asking for $600,000 annually from the general fund; proponents from schools, food banks and advocacy groups told the committee the change would reduce stigma and meal debt.
Representative Melissa Romano (R-80) opened the hearing on House Bill 551, saying the measure would create a state-funded reimbursement so students who currently qualify for reduced-price meals would receive breakfast and lunch at no cost. "This is a bill about feeding kids," Romano said. "1 in 6 children in Montana live in a food insecure household, meaning nearly 40,000 children do not consistently have enough to eat."
HB 551 requests $600,000 annually from the general fund to reimburse schools for eliminating the reduced-price co-pay. Romano said the superintendent of public instruction could seek donations or…
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