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States Reject Federal Funds for Child Food Aid, Prompting Legislative and Tribal Responses

Legislative efforts in Nebraska and tribal actions in Oklahoma aim to counter governors' rejections of federal funding intended to reduce child food insecurity during summer months.

Overview

  • Republican Gov. Jim Pillen of Nebraska rejected $18 million in federal funding to help feed children in need over the summer, sparking legislative efforts to reverse the decision.
  • Omaha Sen. Jen Day introduced a bill requiring Nebraska to accept the Summer EBT funding, amid a backdrop of increasing food insecurity in the state.
  • Nebraska is among over a dozen states, all with Republican governors, that have opted out of the Summer EBT program, which benefits nearly 21 million children nationwide.
  • In Oklahoma, Gov. Kevin Stitt also rejected federal funds for the Summer EBT program, while three Native American tribes in the state opted to participate.
  • Critics argue that the rejection of federal food aid exacerbates food insecurity among children, particularly in rural areas where access to food programs is limited.