Senate panel weighs summer EBT fraud reimbursement, child services and workforce registry funding

The Senate Ways and Means Committee reviewed House adjustments to the Department for Children and Families (DCF) budget and debated funding and proviso language for the Summer EBT (Sun Bucks) program, mentoring grants and child-care workforce items.

Amanda Prosser of Legislative Research presented the House adjustments and described the Summer EBT mechanics and related administrative funding. She told the committee the House had appropriated funds to the State Finance Council for Summer EBT administrative costs contingent on the DCF secretary certifying submission of a federal waiver exempting candy and soda from EBT-eligible purchases.

Why it matters: Summer EBT provides $40 a month per eligible child ($120 per summer) to help replace school meal benefits during summer months. Committee members focused on fraud exposure in the card administration and whether the state should use SGF to reimburse verified fraud losses.

Key committee actions and discussion

- Summer EBT fraud reimbursement and in-state restriction: Senator Clayse moved (and Senator Peck seconded) to add $10,000 SGF for FY2026 to…