L to R: Sen. Cole Conley, Sen. Terry Wanzek, Rep. Mitch Ostlie, Rep. Bernie Satrom
While the state House initially passed a proposal to provide free school meals to all K-12 students, the bill ultimately failed in the Senate late Friday, with Jamestown’s legislative delegation split on the issue.
House Bill 1624 would have allocated 65 million dollars to ensure every student had access to a free breakfast and lunch regardless of family income. Proponents argued the measure would have preempted a more rigid constitutional ballot measure, while opponents expressed concerns over long-term sustainability and parental responsibility.
Jamestown lawmakers were present for the special session votes on HB 1624; in the Senate, the bill failed 22-24, with Senators Cole Conley and Terry Wanzek both voting “nay.” In the House, the bill passed 55-38, with Representatives Mitch Ostlie and Bernie Satrom both voting “yea.” Rep. Craig Headland from Montpelier voted “nay.”
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