During a committee hearing on February 13, Rep. Heather Meyer strongly refuted claims made by an external lobbying group.
Legislation aimed at prohibiting the use of food stamps to purchase soft drinks and candy faced opposition on Tuesday, adding to the ongoing discussions about necessary changes to support Kansas’ most vulnerable residents.
The House Welfare Reform committee, led by Rep. Francis Awerkamp, R-St. Marys, has been overwhelmed by a flood of unhelpful bills, according to two Democrats on the committee.
Rep. Ford Carr, a Democrat from Wichita, expressed his strong disapproval and distress over the activities of the committee.
According to Carr, it appears that the Republicans on the committee, as well as the majority of the party, tend to focus on targeting a specific group of individuals instead of working towards policies that would benefit the people of the state. Carr criticizes their approach, stating that these individuals who are being singled out are often those who are already disadvantaged and in need of support.
Awerkamp has requested the introduction of a new bill, which was discussed on Tuesday. The bill proposes that the Department of Children and Families secretary seek a waiver from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. This waiver would enable the state to restrict the purchase of candy and soft drinks using food assistance benefits. In the event of a denial, the secretary would submit annual requests until the waiver is approved.
Roy Lenardson, a lobbyist for the Florida-based organization Opportunity Solutions Project, which serves as the lobbying arm of the Foundation for Government Accountability, was the initial supporter of the bill.
Lenardson explained that the proposed legislation aimed to address the issue of obesity in Kansas.
Roy Lenardson, a lobbyist for Opportunity Solutions Project, based in Florida and the lobbying arm of the Foundation for Government Accountability, was the first to endorse the bill. (Rachel Mipro/Kansas Reflector)
Lenardson raised an important question: what nutritional value do beverages like Coca-Cola and Mountain Dew, along with snacks like Cheetos and Twinkies, offer? Furthermore, in the context of food insecurity, how do sugary drinks and candy contribute to addressing this issue?
Twinkies and Cheetos would not be considered banned foods in Kansas since the state’s law defines “candy” as a sweet preparation made of sugar, honey, or other natural or artificial sweeteners, without flour.
According to Rep. Susan Humphries, R-Wichita, implementing a sugar ban would encourage individuals to make healthier choices. She personally ensured that her own children did not consume soda while they were growing up.
In order to promote healthier choices among SNAP recipients, Humphries emphasized the importance of encouraging the purchase of milk over sugary beverages like soda or flavored water.
Meyer, a fat person, firmly asserts that her weight gain is not a result of consuming candy and soda. She dismisses the assumption that such indulgences directly caused her obesity. Meyer, who has previously relied on SNAP benefits, emphasizes the need for evidence from medical professionals rather than unfounded claims.
Several organizations, including a representative from the local food banks and a child advocacy group, expressed their opposition to the legislation. They cautioned that the proposed law would impose unnecessary administrative burdens on the state government and hinder the freedom of hungry Kansans to choose their food without constraints.
The committee previously received testimony from the CEO of a national libertarian group regarding the increasing issue of homelessness in the state. This reflects their tendency to seek advice from conservative think tanks outside of the state. In the previous legislative session, committee lawmakers considered a bill that aimed to make homelessness a criminal offense.
During the committee session, lawmakers were briefed on the potential risks associated with “welfare fraud” by Sam Adolphsen, policy director at the FGA. Adolphsen emphasized the need for stricter regulations on state programs like food assistance and Medicaid.
“I’m really frustrated,” Carr expressed, as he observed the continuous targeting of a marginalized group through the incessant passing of bills and committee meetings. “Bill after bill, committee meeting after committee meeting, they single out these individuals who have such limited representation, if any at all.” Carr’s frustration was palpable, as he highlighted the lack of a platform for this group to voice their concerns.