Iowa and Nebraska have decided not to participate in the 2024 Summer Electronic Benefits Transfer for Children (Summer EBT) program, which provides $40 per month to each child in low-income families for food costs during the summer.
Iowa’s governor cited concerns about sustainability and long-term solutions, emphasizing the need for investment in existing programs.
Lawmakers in both states have expressed opposition to the decisions. (Trending: Democrat Found Guilty In Corruption Trial)
Iowa Republican Gov. Kim Reynolds announced, “Federal COVID-era cash benefit programs are not sustainable and don’t provide long-term solutions for the issues impacting children and families.”
“An EBT card does nothing to promote nutrition at a time when childhood obesity has become an epidemic,” she continued.
“If the Biden Administration and Congress want to make a real commitment to family well-being, they should invest in already existing programs and infrastructure at the state level and give us the flexibility to tailor them to our state’s needs,” wrote Reynolds.
Nebraska’s governor emphasized a preference for alternative programs, while a bipartisan group of Nebraska lawmakers urged reconsideration.
At least 18 states and territories, along with two tribal nations, have announced their intent to participate in the program.
Democratic Sen. Izaah Knox said, “It’s extremely disappointing that the Reynolds administration is planning to reject federal money that could put food on the table for hungry Iowa kids.”
“This cruel and short-sighted decision will have real impacts on children and families in my district and communities all across Iowa,” continued Knox.
Nebraska Republican Gov. Jim Pillen said, “In the end, I fundamentally believe that we solve the problem, and I don’t believe in welfare.”
“We just want to make sure that they’re out. They’re at church camps. They’re at schools. They’re at 4-H,” explained Pillen.
“And we’ll take care of them at all of the places that they’re at, so that they’re out amongst (other people) and not feeding a welfare system with food at home,” said the governor.
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