Federal Farm Bill Would Cut Food for Children |
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News |
Written by Wisconsin Senate, Kate Constalie |
Wednesday, 02 May 2018 09:06 |
http://newiprogressive.com/images/stories/S5/school-lunch-s5.jpg MADISON – After prioritizing massive tax breaks for corporations and the wealthy, House Republicans are now proposing widespread cuts to food assistance programs that will impact thousands of children. Wisconsin families stand to lose $23.8 million annually as an estimated 23,369 children would become ineligible for need-based food assistance. Children in rural and conservative-leaning communities would be hit hardest by these cuts.
According to a new report by the non-partisan Legislative Fiscal Bureau, the 2018 House Farm Bill (H.R. 2) would prevent states like Wisconsin from offering broad-based categorical eligibility to families that do not receive cash assistance or ongoing TANF-funded services. This change is estimated to result in 8 percent of currently-enrolled children losing eligibility for FoodShare assistance as well as free and reduced school lunch support.
The federal farm bill, which has traditionally benefited from bipartisan support, has become more polarized in recent years as House Republicans seek to limit access to food assistance. H.R. 2 was passed out of committee by Republicans and is expected to be debated on the House floor early this month. **** An interactive map of Wisconsin with county-based eligibility statistics is available here. |
Last Updated on Wednesday, 02 May 2018 14:05 |
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