Rep. Mike Nathe
North Dakota students could be getting free school meals this fall, but it may be different than what the Together for School Meals Coalition hoped for.
The coalition is currently gathering signatures in hopes to have voters decide on a constitutional ballot measure this fall, which would cement free school meals in our state constitution. However, a bill that mirrors the initial measure proposed has narrowly passed through a joint committee.
House Bill 1624, sponsored by Representative Mike Nathe, would provide free school meals to all North Dakota K-12 students, but instead of written in the constitution, it would be written in state law, making it somewhat easier for lawmakers to adjust the program if oil tax revenues drop, according to the North Dakota Monitor. The bill is projected to cost $65 million and is now moving to the House floor.
Governor Armstrong said Tuesday that he thinks the ballot measure will pass, and that North Dakota must decide between constitutionally mandated spending or legislative spending.
A competing proposal would extend free meals only to families earning up to 300% of the federal poverty level, or about $96,000 for a family of four. The committee was unable to reach consensus on this bill as of Wednesday evening.
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