A recent move to expand free school lunches for low-income students in Arizona has been stopped, despite getting support from both Democrats and Republicans. The bill, known as HB 2213, was introduced by Rep. Nancy Gutierrez, a lawmaker from the Tucson area. Her goal was to make sure that kids from struggling families could receive free lunches at school, ensuring no child goes hungry.
However, even with bipartisan support, the bill did not move past the final stage in the Arizona legislature. This decision disappointed many, especially those who believe children’s access to food should not be part of political games.
What Was the Bill About?
Rep. Nancy Gutierrez’s bill proposed providing free school lunches to low-income students in Arizona. The total cost of the program was estimated at $3.8 million. For Gutierrez, who is also a teacher, this bill was personal. She knows firsthand how important it is for kids to have a full stomach in order to learn effectively. In her words, “If kids don’t eat, they cannot learn. We are literally setting them up for failure.”
How Far Did the Bill Get?
Interestingly, the bill managed to clear several important steps before being blocked. It passed through key committees such as:
- The Education Committee
- The Appropriations Committee
- The Rules Committee
- Committee of the Whole
The bill even saw backing from both political sides, which is not something you see every day. Additionally, one amendment was added by the Appropriations Committee in February, banning ultra-processed foods in the meals. This change aimed to ensure that not only would kids get meals, but those meals would be healthier too.
Why Was It Blocked?
After passing multiple stages, the bill needed a third reading in order to move forward. But after weeks of waiting, Rep. Gutierrez was informed that her bill wouldn’t be scheduled for that final read.
While the exact reasons weren’t publicly detailed, Gutierrez believes that politics played a role. In a video message she posted on TikTok, she openly criticized the decision, saying, “This is feeding children becoming a political game, and I am not going to stand for it.”
The Bigger Picture
To put things into perspective, Gutierrez compared the bill’s $3.8 million cost to the large sums approved for border protection bills in Arizona, which can range anywhere from $50 million to $100 million. According to her, funding meals for hungry students should be just as much a priority.
What’s Next?
Though the bill has been halted, it’s not the end of the road. Gutierrez plans to keep fighting for the cause. She has encouraged her supporters to contact Republican lawmakers and the governor, urging them to include funding for free lunches in the state budget.
Her commitment is clear. “I will not rest until that money is in the budget,” she said. Robbie Sherwood, the communications director for the Arizona House Democratic Caucus, added that while this particular effort may be over, the overall fight is ongoing.
Gutierrez is determined to continue pushing for these essential resources. After all, when it comes to children’s health and education, she believes politics shouldn’t get in the way.
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