MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE
2004 Regular Session
To: Rules
By: Senator(s) Dawkins, Williamson, Jackson (11th), Frazier, Butler, Harden, Thomas, Jordan, Simmons, Jackson (32nd)
A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION URGING THE UNITED STATES CONGRESS TO MAKE MORE STUDENTS ELIGIBLE FOR FREE SCHOOL LUNCHES.
WHEREAS, the federal child nutrition programs, including the school lunch and breakfast programs, are important to the health and education of the children of Mississippi; and
WHEREAS, the child nutrition programs must be reauthorized by the Congress of the United States during the current fiscal year; and
WHEREAS, reduced price school meals are offered, in participating schools, to children with family income between 130% of the poverty line and 185% of the poverty line; and
WHEREAS, many families in the reduced price income category are finding it difficult to pay the reduced fee and, for some families, the fee is an insurmountable barrier to participation; and
WHEREAS, the Special Supplemental Food Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) provides free benefits to all participants with family income below 185% of poverty; and
WHEREAS, legislation has been introduced by Senators Dole (R-NC) and Roberts (R-KS) to phase-out the reduced price meal program, harmonizing school meals with WIC:
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING THEREIN, That the State of Mississippi supports reauthorization of all federal child nutrition programs.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the State of Mississippi urges the Congress of the United States to eliminate the reduced price school meals programs, and to provide free meals for all children with family incomes below 185% of poverty.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution shall be sent to the Mississippi congressional delegation in Washington, D.C., and be made available to the Capitol Press Corps.