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Senate panel hears wide support for 'School Meals for All'; work session carried to next week
Summary
Proponents told the Senate Education Committee on Feb. 4 that Senate Bill 15 81 would reduce stigma, improve learning and maximize federal reimbursements by guaranteeing breakfast and lunch to every student; the committee closed testimony and carried the work session to next week without a vote.
The Oregon Senate Committee on Education heard strong, largely bipartisan support on Feb. 4 for Senate Bill 15 81, a measure proponents say would make breakfast and lunch part of the school day for every student across the state.
Sen. Mark Meek, a chief proponent, framed the bill in personal terms: “I grew up as a young child being reliant on food stamps and we survived on welfare,” he said, describing how school meals were a ‘‘very important staple’’ in his life and arguing that universal meals reduce stigma and help students focus. Coalition, nonprofit and school-district witnesses told the committee the bill would also streamline operations and…
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