BISMARCK, N.D. (KFGO) – Legislation for free school meals for some students is still alive in the North Dakota legislature after an amendment to an education bill adding $6 million passed the house on a vote of 70-22.
Minot Rep. Jeff Hoverson opposed the amendment.
“Bills like this, like the government taking care of childcare and all of this – we’re speeding too fast toward cradle-to-grave-government taking care of families and doing the job of the parents,” Hoverson said. “Do you want parents to be trained by the government to have this type of entitlement mentality? Because they will.”
Fargo Rep. Jim Kasper and Rep. Ben Koppleman of West Fargo also voted against school meals funding.
Republican Pat Heinert of Bismarck urged a ‘yes’ vote.
“We heard from teachers time after time for the entire session talking about trying to deal with children who are hungry. They can’t learn,” Heinert said. “There’s all kinds of information on that. There’s all kinds of research on that. Kids do not learn, especially in the K-3 area, if they come to school hungry. We need to help. We have the availability to help.”
The bill now heads to a conference committee with the Senate.