Thousands more of Louisiana's hungriest children will eat free when schools starts
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More of Louisiana's hungriest children will be eligible for free school breakfast and lunch when classes begin in August.
Democratic state Rep. Kyle Green of Marrero's mad scramble to get his House Bill 282 passed in the final hours of the Legislature's Regular Session paid off when Gov. John Bel Edwards signed Act 305 into law this summer.
"It's hard to learn on an empty stomach," Green said in an interview with USA Today Network.
The new law covers about 7,000 children who currently are eligible for reduced-price breakfast and lunch and will cost the state about $859,000.
"I'm just over the moon about it," Green said. "I think this is really a bright spot that will help a lot of kids."
The governor agreed.
"Hungry kids can’t learn," Edwards said in a statement to USA Today Network. "Rep. Green’s legislation benefits thousands of children who will no longer have to struggle through empty stomachs and the social stigma of not having food to eat at school.
"It’s just one more important investment we’ve made in public education, as we work to improve outcomes and prepare our young people for success.”
Edwards said he hopes to schedule a ceremonial signing of the bill with Green at a school once classes begin.
"I wanted to do something I thought could both have a meaningful impact but also pass," Green said. "It's always been one of the things I've wanted to tackle."
Green credited advocates like the Louisiana Budget Project for helping him make the case for his bill and for colleagues in the House and Senate who helped him get the legislation across the finish line before the clock ran out on the session.
"Something like this gives me hope and energy to keep working hard for wins for those who need it most," Green said.
And Green already is looking ahead to expand free breakfast and lunch eligibility next year.
"I'm planning to shoot for universal free breakfast and lunch," Green said, though the cost for that would be about $40 million. "But this is a great start."
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Greg Hilburn covers state politics for the USA TODAY Network of Louisiana. Follow him on Twitter @GregHilburn1
This article originally appeared on Monroe News-Star: More of Louisiana's hungriest children will eat free when schools starts
