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Hawaii House debates expanding universal free school meals, splitting lawmakers over cost and scope
Summary
Lawmakers spent an extended period debating a bill to expand free school meals (including charter schools). Supporters said universal meals reduce stigma and improve attendance and outcomes; opponents said the bill subsidizes families who can afford meals and urged targeted approaches. No final floor action was recorded in the transcript.
The Hawaii House spent a prolonged floor session debating a bill to expand free school meals to more students, including those in charter schools, with supporters saying universal meals reduce stigma and help learning while opponents warned of broad taxpayer cost.
Supporters framed the measure as an education and anti-hunger policy. "Universal school meals is the right thing to do to address food insecurity," Representative LaChica said, urging colleagues to back the proposal and to extend access to charter schools. Representative Matayoshi, a former teacher, said universal…
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