Low-income families in participating states will be given $40 per month for each eligible school-aged child, with a maximum of $120, to purchase groceries. This initiative will begin in the summer of 2024. A sign displayed at a grocery store in Oakland, California, on December 4, 2019, indicates the acceptance of electronic benefit transfer (EBT) cards. (Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)
During a public hearing held on Wednesday regarding the proposed 2025 Education Trust Fund budget, several speakers emphasized the importance of allocating additional funds for summer meal programs and expressed concerns over the potential cuts to the Alabama Public Library Service (APLS).
The 2025 ETF, which is being sponsored by House Ways and Means Education Committee Chair Danny Garrett, R-Trussville, aims to allocate approximately $9.3 billion towards education and related expenses. This budget represents an increase of about $550 million (6.25%) compared to the current budget and includes a 2% pay raise for educators.
Lawmakers were urged by multiple speakers to allocate funds for the Summer EBT program, also known as the summer meal program. State officials had previously stated that Alabama would not participate in the program due to the lack of funding in the current budget.
Rhonda Mann, executive director of VOICES for Alabama’s Children, emphasized the increase in food insecurity during the summer months. She highlighted the fact that children and teens who rely on school lunch and breakfast programs will no longer have access to these nutritious meals. Mann stressed the importance of providing consistent access to food during the summer, as it goes beyond just providing sustenance. It plays a crucial role in helping young minds thrive during the summer and beyond.
Camille Bennett, executive director of Project Say Something and a child care provider, emphasized the urgent need for increased funding for child care. As COVID-19 era funds are diminishing, it is crucial to allocate more resources to support this essential service.
“The federal funding that has supported our industry throughout the COVID-19 pandemic will come to an end in September,” she explained. “To ensure the stability of child care in Alabama, we require a state investment of at least $20 to $30 million.”
Those who opposed the bill, including one speaker and two individuals listed on the sign-up sheet, raised concerns about a $750,000 reduction in funding for the APLS.
Jessica Hayes, the treasurer and former president of the Alabama Library Association, who has 14 years of experience as a professional librarian, expressed her astonishment at the proposed 18% budget cut for the agency. According to her, such a drastic reduction is unprecedented and morally questionable. She raised concerns about whether this decision is a deliberate attempt to penalize the agency for simply fulfilling its duties and adhering to the proper procedures, including the upcoming public hearing on April 30 regarding changes to the Administrative Code.
Garrett, in a previous conversation with the Reflector, clarified that the reductions were not meant to be punitive.
According to Democratic Senators Vivian Davis Figures of D-Mobile and Rodger Smitherman of D-Birmingham, they are in favor of increasing the funding for food.
“We will make sure these children are fed, even if it means they have to drag me away from the microphone and all the way to the parking lot,” exclaimed Smitherman passionately.
The Senate Finance and Taxation Education Committee, chaired by Sen. Arthur Orr, R-Decatur, did not take a vote on Wednesday. It remains unclear if any changes will be made to the House-passed bill by the Senate.
The bill requires two more days to be passed, and there are only six legislative days remaining in the session.
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