The Arkansas House of Representatives has approved legislation to use medical marijuana tax revenue to fund free school breakfasts for students, regardless of whether they qualify for federal free and reduced-price meal programs.
House lawmakers voted 88–4 to pass the bill, SB 59, on Thursday. Because a minor amendment was adopted in that chamber to adjust co-sponsors to the legislation, the revised measure now returns to the Senate for a final vote before proceeding to the desk of Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders (R), who’s previously endorsed the plan.
“One in four Arkansas children struggle with hunger,” Rep. Zack Gramlich (R), a schoolteacher and co-sponsor of the bill, said prior to the House floor vote, noting that the state ranks first in the nation for food insecurity. “A kid who’s hungry and their stomach hurts because they didn’t eat all weekend, they just lay their head down. They’re not learning. They’re just waiting until lunch.”
Gramlich added that schools will still seek to ensure as many students as possible are enrolled in meal programs at the federal level in order to reduce costs to the state.
“This is a great thing for our kids. It’s also a great thing for our
Read full article on Marijuana Moment
